Gökhan Selamet, Turkey
Niji Coffee Co
Please tell us a little about yourself:
I am Gökhan Selamet, a passionate home brewer and the 2025 Turkey Brewers Cup Champion. By profession, I am a scientist specializing in bioinformatics, but coffee has been my creative outlet and obsession for many years.
Unlike many competitors, I don’t work in the coffee industry—I brew purely for the love of it. My journey started with curiosity, experimenting with different brewing techniques and variables to unlock new flavors in coffee. This passion for precision and discovery led me to competitions, where I enjoy pushing the boundaries of brewing with science-driven techniques and thoughtful craftsmanship.
This is my first time competing on the world stage, and I’m excited to share my perspective as a home brewer among professionals. I believe coffee competitions are not just about great coffee but about innovation, storytelling, and inspiring others.
Fun fact: I brewed my championship-winning coffee using a coffee I originally had in my fridge at home—proof that passion and experimentation can lead to something incredible!
What are you excited to do while you are in Jakarta?
I’m especially excited to explore Jakarta’s blend of tradition and innovation. I’d love to visit institutions like the Jakarta Planetarium or any science and technology museums to see how science is presented in Indonesia. I’m also fascinated by the region's biodiversity, so if time allows, I’d love to explore places like nearby botanical gardens to learn more about Indonesia’s unique flora and fauna. Of course, experiencing Jakarta’s rich coffee culture firsthand is a must—visiting local cafés, tasting Indonesian coffee at its source, and understanding more about how coffee is woven into daily life here.
What are your interests outside of coffee?
Outside of coffee, I’m deeply passionate about science, particularly data science, bioinformatics, and physics. I enjoy analyzing complex systems, uncovering patterns in data, and exploring how scientific principles apply to everyday life. Beyond science, music is a big part of my life—I love playing the drums. I’m also a cinema enthusiast, fascinated by storytelling, cinematography, and how films blend art and technology to create immersive experiences.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank?
I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to the incredible people who supported me throughout this journey.
Kevser Atmaca and Alireza Razzaghzadeh, my fellow competitors and teammates, for their dedication, collaboration, and the countless hours we spent refining our approach together.
Janine de Laar, for her invaluable insights and guidance, helping me shape my presentation and competition strategy.
Orkun Üstel and Duygu Üstel, for their expertise, mentorship, and unwavering support, which played a crucial role in my preparation.
This competition is not just an individual effort but a collective achievement, and I’m truly grateful for the incredible team behind me!
