Willy Gómez - Spain
2026 - WCIGS - Spain
Instagram: @willygomezcoffee
Please tell us a little about yourself:
My entire life revolves around the world of specialty coffee. I have been working with coffee for more than 18 years, during which I have gone through every stage of the profession: apprentice, barista, bartender, and roaster. Throughout this time, I have also combined the world of coffee with my other great passion, mixology.
This has allowed me to compete in more than 45 different competitions across both disciplines, achieving titles at national and even international levels. I have been competing since 2008, and for me it is the foundation of learning and growth. Through competitions, I have been able to learn, improve, and meet people and discover new techniques from all over the world. It is something I apply in my daily life, because I believe that sharing is living. Everything I learn and experience, I like to share through my trainings so that others can have access to tools that might otherwise be difficult to gather without the experiences I’ve had.
As I mentioned before, I started in the coffee world in 2008 when I began my hospitality studies. Since that moment, coffee has been a fundamental part of my life.
Currently, I run my own specialty coffee roastery, Astro Café Roasters, which also includes three coffee shops and a dedicated training space.
As a fun fact about me: I’m also a musician! I love music and I play the trumpet in a band, and we’re awesome! Hehehe 🎺🎶
What are you excited to do while you visit Brussels?
Well, the most important part of my visit to Brussels is obviously the competition. I will be 100% focused on it. I’ve been able to extend my stay by a couple of extra days, which I’ll dedicate to exploring the city. As a true coffee geek, I’ll definitely visit some cafés and also a few cocktail bars, an essential part of any geek trip.
During the competition, whenever I’m not competing, I’ll spend the time visiting the stands and discovering new products and innovations, just like every time I attend a World of Coffee.
What are your interests outside of coffee?
Well, as I mentioned before, my entire life revolves around specialty coffee. In the little free time I have, I like I also said playing with my band, as well as traveling with my partner and my dog.
Is there anyone you would like to thank or recognize, or who helped you to prepare for the WCC?
Of course, there are many people who support me and have helped me throughout all this time, not only for this competition, but for all of them. My partner, my parents and sister, my great friend and coach Damian, my partner at Astro Café, the incredible team we have at the roastery and in the shops, the rest of my competition team, and all my friends who are always amazed by what I do.
I want to thank all of them because, despite the little time I’m sometimes able to dedicate to them in return for their support, they have always been there for me. 🙏
