Thanasis Angelopoulos - Greece

2026 - WCIGS - Greece

Instagram: @angelopoulos_thanasis

Please tell us a little about yourself:

I work in the specialty coffee sector with a primary focus on coffee roasting and quality management. My role involves green coffee evaluation, roast profile development, and sensory calibration, with an emphasis on consistency and repeatability.

I have been involved in coffee competitions for several years, with a particular focus on roasting competitions as a structured environment for technical development and objective self-evaluation.

Roasting competitions provide a controlled framework to assess decision-making, process control, and understanding of coffee structure. I compete to benchmark my roasting approach against international standards and to refine my ability to translate green coffee potential into a balanced and transparent roast profile.

I rely on both measurable data and sensory feedback to guide roasting decisions.

I place strong emphasis on thermal momentum and development management.

I believe the role of the roaster is to preserve clarity and origin character rather than impose a signature style.

My involvement in coffee began through hands-on work and technical curiosity. Roasting became my primary focus as I developed a deeper interest in green coffee structure, heat application, and sensory outcomes. Over time, this led to a commitment to continuous learning and participation in roasting competitions.

What are you excited to do while you visit Brussels?

I’m excited to experience the local coffee culture and connect with professionals from different backgrounds within the global coffee community. Visiting the host city is also an opportunity to understand how coffee fits into its daily life, food culture, and creative scene, which I find both grounding and inspiring alongside the competition itself.

What are your interests outside of coffee?

Outside of coffee, I’m interested in design and branding, as well as systems thinking and process optimization. I also value activities that promote focus and balance, such as physical training and spending time in nature with my family, which help me maintain clarity and consistency in my professional work.

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

I would like to thank the colleagues, mentors, and members of the specialty coffee community who have supported me through discussion, feedback, and shared experience. I’m also grateful to those who challenged my thinking and encouraged a disciplined, reflective approach to preparation, as their input has been invaluable throughout this process.