Mathieu Theis, Switzerland

Mame

Please tell us a little about yourself:

Where do you work?
I work at MAME in Switzerland, which I co-founded with Emi Fukahori. We have cafés in Zurich, Geneva and Tokyo, as well as our roastery in Zurich.

How long have you been competing?
I have been competing for around 10 years. Competition has been a big part of my coffee journey and has shaped the way I think about hospitality, service, and coffee quality.

What made you want to compete?
At first, I competed because I wanted to challenge myself and learn faster. Over time, competition became a way to explore ideas, question my own biases, and share a personal vision of coffee with others.

Fun fact about yourself?
Before coffee, I worked in Engineering. Now I spend most of my time thinking about tiny details in coffee, which somehow feels even more intense.

How did you get into the coffee industry?
I discovered specialty coffee while living in Switzerland and became fascinated by how much emotion, precision, and storytelling could exist in one cup. That curiosity eventually led me to open MAME

What are you excited to do while you visit the Panama city?:

Panama has become a special place for me over the years. I'm looking forward to catching up with producers and friends, cupping new harvests, and, of course, enjoying some amazing Panamanian food between competition days.

What are your interests outside of coffee?:

Travelling, flags and maps of the world, football, chess, and discovering nice food wherever I go.

Is there anyone you would like to thank or recognize, or who helped you to prepare for the WCC?:

I wouldn't be here without the incredible people around me. First, my business partner, Emi Fukahori, who continues to inspire me every day with her pursuit of excellence. My coach, Marie, whose honest feedback and support have helped shape every routine. The entire MAME team, who make it possible for me to dedicate time to competition. The producers who trust us with their coffees and remind me where quality truly begins. And finally, my family, for their endless patience and encouragement throughout this journey

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