Ieva Suopyte - Lithuania

2026 - WBrC - Lithuania

Instagram: @juravandenynas

Please tell us a little about yourself:

I’m a head barista at Kalve Coffee Roasters in Lithuania. I first got into coffee 8 years ago simply out of curiosity about flavor and the craft behind it, and somehow that curiosity kept me in the industry ever since — leading me to coffee championships and continuing to explore it even further.

I first competed in the Lithuanian Latte Art Championship in 2020 and won that year. Since then, I’ve dipped my toes into cupping competitions and this year, for the first time, Brewers Cup. Competitions excite me because they create space to explore the subtle details of coffee and keep learning something new with every cup.

What are you excited to do while you visit Brussels?

I’m excited to explore the old town and cafés around Brussels, spend time with the coffee community, and balance all the coffee tasting with some important quality checks of Belgian waffles.

What are your interests outside of coffee?

Outside of coffee, I love spending time in nature. I enjoy running, hiking, and occasionall alpine adventures in the mountains. Exploring landscapes and exploring coffee share something in common for me – curiosity, patience, and appreciation for the details.

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

I’m very grateful to the whole international team at Kalve for sharing their knowledge, support and encouragement while preparing for this competition, and for always believing in me a little more than I believe in myself. I’d also like to thank the friends and colleagues who spent time tasting coffee with me, sharing feedback, and motivating me along the way.