León Jose Zurita Rocha | Comandante Champion Bolivia

What is your job, and where do you live and work?

I'm currently the roaster and barista at Mugen Coffee Project in La Paz City.

What does coffee mean to you, and what do you love about it?

Coffee meant the beginning of my journey to a better understanding of life and the impact it has on many other aspects in the world. I loved the journey from the very first cup; through it, I had the opportunity to get to know amazing people and their stories.

What is your experience with Comandante grinders, and what do you like about them?

I had my first experience with a Comandante Grinder like a year ago through a friend of mine, and since that day I've been wanting to get one. I loved that it was portable, the presentation, and its precision with the grind.

Why did you apply for the Comandante Championship?

In order to gain experience, the Comandante Championship marked the beginning of my journey through all of the competitions I'm intending to attend from this year all the way to 2027, looking forward to participating in the Bolivia Barista Championship.

How was the competition for you?

It was pure adrenaline and joy; I had the chance to get a close view of the Bolivian coffee community and the high level of organisation that this type of competition represents.

What is your advice for future competitors?

Be able to give yourself that chance that is waiting for you, have fun and enjoy alongside the community that makes all of this possible, and aim to be better every day.

What are your future goals?

Part of what I aim for in this journey is that I want to get more and more involved in the background of what a cup of coffee represents, I want to learn everything that I possibly can from the coffee farmers, the sustainability, its community, and to preserve the roots of it all.