Kookai’s Competition Journey: Practice, Exchange and Progress

Congratulations to Kookai (พี่ไก่, Mafear Kookai) on another achievement in his coffee competition journey. The Espresso Academic team has seen his commitment since he began organising competitions at his own Umbrella Cool Cool Coffee Roaster, and through his continued participation in events in Thailand and abroad.

We have also had opportunities to practise together. Those sessions showed the care he puts into preparation and his willingness to keep learning. In his account of ODYSSEY 1-on-1 DripBattle 2026, he thanked Brew Whale BKK and reflected on managing time, planning for the coffee in each round and drawing on experience from an earlier competition in the Philippines.

It is rewarding to see that effort become progress. We are happy to have played a small part through practice and exchange, and proud to celebrate this moment with him. The original photographs and competition reflections are shared below.