Daniel Vaz, Brazil

Five roasters

Tell us about yourself:

I work at my company, Five Roasters, in Rio de Janeiro. I have been competing for one year now. I was inspired to compete by my mentor and now partner, Emerson Nascimento. I studied at university to become a photographer and worked in that field for 18 years when I left that profession behind to pursue a career as a roaster and coffee specialist. My desire to get into the coffee industry was motivated by Cafe Secreto, a coffee shop in Rio. It was very good and I fell in love with coffee culture and haven't looked back since.

What are you excited to do while you visit Busan?

Explore the local food and culture. Visit and get to know the local coffee industry and the professionals therein.

What are your interests outside of coffee?

Travel, primarily by car. Photographing (only by cell phone now) the daily life of the people I encounter in the street. Discovering great new restaurants and drinking fine cocktails.

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

I would like to thank first god, my partner Emerson, my family, my wife, my friends,my suport Nude and the entire Brazilian coffee community, all of whom united to help me pursue this dream come true.