2013 US Barista Champion Pete Licata on Winning WBC

In April 2013, coffee professionals and enthusiasts gathered in Boston for the annual US Specialty Coffee Association event—and at its heart was the highly competitive US Barista Championship. Among the baristas crafting espressos, cappuccinos, and signature drinks under pressure, one name stood out: Pete Licata.

Pete Licata, representing Parisi Artisan Coffee from Kansas City, Missouri, won the 2013 US Barista Championship. He topped six other finalists to earn the right to compete at the World Barista Championship in Melbourne, Australia.

The 2013 US Barista Championship: What Happened

Held from April 11 to 14, 2013, in Boston, the US Barista Championship was a key event in the specialty coffee calendar. Competitors had just 15 minutes to prepare and present 12 drinks: four espressos, four cappuccinos, and four signature beverages of their own design. Throughout the routine, they explained their coffee choices and techniques to a panel of seven judges—comprising one head judge, two technical judges, and four sensory judges.

The Finalists and Their Rankings

The top six competitors in the 2013 US Barista Championship were:

• 1st: Pete Licata, Parisi Artisan Coffee, Kansas City, MO
• 2nd: Charles Babinski, G&B Coffee, Los Angeles, CA
• 3rd: Trevor Corlett, Madcap Coffee, Grand Rapids, MI
• 4th: Sam Lewontin, Everyman Espresso, New York, NY
• 5th: Nick Purvis, the French Press, Santa Barbara, CA
• 6th: Charlie Habegger, Intelligentsia Coffee, Chicago, IL

These baristas represented some of the leading coffee shops and roasters in the US, each presenting their skills and coffee stories to a high standard.

What’s Next: Representing the US at the World Stage

As the champion, Pete Licata went on to represent the United States at the 2013 World Barista Championship. The global finals took place later that year, from May 23 to 26, in Melbourne, Australia—bringing together the best baristas from around the globe.

2013 US Pour-Over Championship Results

In addition to the espresso-focused Barista Championship, the 2013 US Pour-Over Championship (often referred to as the Handbrew or Filter Championship) also crowned a winner. Erin McCarthy from Counter Culture Coffee in New York City took first place.

The top six finishers in the 2013 US Pour-Over Championship were:

• 1st: Erin McCarthy, Counter Culture Coffee, New York, NY
• 2nd: Jonathan Bonchak, Counter Culture Coffee, Durham, NC
• 3rd: Sean Stewart, CREMA, Nashville, TN
• 4th: Dean Kallivrousis, Parisi Coffee, Kansas City, MO
• 5th: Phillip Ma, Ma’Velous, San Francisco, CA
• 6th: Brandon Paul Weaver, Slate Coffee Roasters, Seattle, WA

Like the barista winner, the pour-over champion also earned a spot to represent the US at the corresponding World Championship event in Melbourne, Australia, held at the same time as the World Barista Championship.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who won the 2013 US Barista Championship?

Pete Licata from Parisi Artisan Coffee in Kansas City, Missouri, won the 2013 US Barista Championship. He competed against six other baristas and won the right to represent the United States at the World Barista Championship in Melbourne, Australia.

Where was the 2013 US Barista Championship held?

The 2013 US Barista Championship took place in Boston, Massachusetts, as part of the annual Specialty Coffee Association event held from April 11 to 14, 2013.

How does the US Barista Championship work?

In the US Barista Championship, each competitor has 15 minutes to prepare and serve 12 drinks: four espressos, four cappuccinos, and four signature drinks. They must explain their coffee and process to seven judges, including technical and sensory experts.

Who won the 2013 US Pour-Over Championship?

Erin McCarthy from Counter Culture Coffee in New York City won the 2013 US Pour-Over Championship. She was among the top six pour-over specialists who could represent the US at the World Pour-Over Championship in Melbourne.

Did the 2013 champions go to the World Championships?

Yes, both the 2013 US Barista Champion (Pete Licata) and the 2013 US Pour-Over Champion (Erin McCarthy) represented the United States at the World Championships held in Melbourne, Australia, from May 23 to 26, 2013.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Competition-Style Brewing

For baristas aiming to replicate competition-level precision, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Guji Humbera—bright with citrus and floral notes—or the Colombia Popayán, offering balance with caramel and dark cherry. Both single origins showcase the clarity and complexity sought in pour-over and espresso brewing alike. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.