Federico Pinna, Italy
Urban Cafe - Bugan Coffee Lab
Please tell us a little about yourself:
Hi everyone! I'm Federico Pinna, the current Italian Barista Champion. I work as a barista and I'm the owner of Urban Café in Northern Italy. I've been competing since 2019, and in 2024 I had the privilege of representing Italy at the World Barista Championship in Busan—an experience that inspired me to keep growing both professionally and personally. My competition journey has also been shaped by the Bugan Team, with whom I've had the opportunity to attend several World Coffee Events, learn from the global coffee community, and build lasting relationships. I'm truly excited and honored to represent Italy once again at the World Barista Championship 2026.
What are you excited to do while you visit the Panama city?:
I'm really looking forward to exploring Panama City beyond the competition. I'd love to experience its unique mix of history and modern architecture, visit the famous Panama Canal, and walk through Casco Viejo to discover the local culture. As a coffee professional, I'm also excited to learn more about Panamanian coffee, especially the country's incredible coffee heritage and the people behind it. I believe every destination has a story to tell through its coffee, food, and culture, and I'm looking forward to experiencing all of it while representing Italy at the WBC.
What are your interests outside of coffee?:
Outside of coffee, I’m passionate about cuisine and the world of hospitality. I love discovering new places, traveling, and experiencing different cultures through food, people, and local traditions. For me, hospitality is about creating connections and memorable moments, whether behind a coffee bar, around a table, or while exploring a new city.
Is there anyone you would like to thank or recognize, or who helped you to prepare for the WCC?:
I would like to thank my team, my family, my friends here in Panama and those cheering from home, and everyone who has believed in me since day one. None of this would have been possible without your support, encouragement, and trust throughout this journey. Whatever the final result may be, I hope you are proud of everything we have achieved together over the years. Representing Italy on this stage is already an incredible honor, and I'm grateful to share this moment with all of you.
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