Michael Rieker - Germany

2026 - WCIGS - Germany

Instagram: @michael_rieker

Please tell us a little about yourself:

I work at Kaffeemacher:innen in Basel as a Barista and Trainer. I have been working in coffee for 8 years now and did everything from bar to roaster. I like to step out of my bubble sometimes and competitions are the best way to connect to other coffee people. So I decided to compete for the first time two years ago. Besides that competitions are a great way to learn and grow for me. I got into coffee quite naturally. I always enjoyed the atmosphere in coffee shops and after finishing my studies I started a part time job in a coffee shop and just fell into the rabbit hole.

What are you excited to do while you visit Brussels?

Explore the city and culture. Eat some fries and have a Belgian beer.

What are your interests outside of coffee?

Of course drinks and bars. Swimming/bouldering.

Music - I studied sound and music production and sometimes still work at the university.

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

The Kaffeemacher:innen Team. Herz Bar Basel. There will be provably more people..