Yuqi (Max) Cui, Aotearoa/New Zealand
Mojo coffee
Please tell us a little about yourself:
I have been working in Mojo coffee in Wellington, New Zealand since 2022 and got into coffee through training courses Mojo provided in 2021 while I was working in hotel which was also what I studied in college in New Plymouth. My passion for coffee took off and I decided to be a barista. Each year I found myself learning more about coffee, through competitions, events and meeting new friends! In 2023 I competed in NZLAC while 2024 was my first time competing in NZBC.
What are you excited to do while you are in Milan?
I will be here with some of my best friends so I will be happy going wherever they plan to visit as well. This will be my first time visiting which is extremely exciting, local food, coffee scene definitely interests me the most while I also enjoy admiring all the beautiful architectures Europe has.
What are your interests outside of coffee?
I like playing badminton, taking a walk while surrounded by the beautiful scenery New Zealand has to offer, watching NBA.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank?
Logan and Freya since day one teaching me latte art, all the weekend fun coffee cuppings at the Beanery, to guiding me until now on the biggest stage of coffee. My friends Wynnie, Eve, Kenny and Oliver for supporting and tasting my coffees sharing the joy!
