This year, the Allpress x HARIO V60 Championship returned — bigger, bolder, and brewing across the Tasman.
A celebration of skill, precision, and creativity, the V60 Championship brings together some of the best brewers from New Zealand and Australia to showcase what’s possible with one coffee, one filter, and one pour. Each regional heat saw standout talent emerge from Auckland, Christchurch, Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne, with competitors pushing the limits of extraction, clarity and flavour using the HARIO V60.
Beyond the scores and techniques, the competition’s true purpose is connection. It’s about bringing together our café and coffee communities to share ideas, celebrate craft, and grow together.
From early morning training sessions to last-minute recipe testing, our finalists have earned their place at the top. One champion will win the chance to travel to Tokyo to represent our region at the HARIO V60 Brewers Cup against finalists from around the world.
Before the final showdown, we sat down with each regional winner to hear more about their coffee journeys, brew philosophies, and favourite moments behind the bar.
Auckland Finalist: Blues Shim (Slow Koi / Hi Toastie)
Tell us a bit about yourself.
My name is Blues Shim, and I’m based in Auckland, New Zealand. I’m the Director of W.D Group, which owns Slow Koi and Hi Toastie.
How did your coffee journey start?
I started out as a chef, but I was always curious about coffee. After moving to New Zealand, I finally had the chance to get behind the machine—and it quickly became a passion. Now, I’m lucky to own several cafés where I can bring that love of food and coffee together.
What do you love most about coffee?
The way it brings people together. That simple moment of connection is what it’s all about.
Favourite brew method?
I don’t think there’s one perfect way—it depends on the coffee. I like to observe how it reacts, and then respond with a method that brings out the best in it.
Favourite coffee moment?
Brewing for my family on quiet weekend mornings. It’s simple, but special.
Christchurch Finalist: Nick Schryvers (Victus Coffee & Eatery)
Tell us a bit about yourself.
My name’s Nick, and I’m from sunny Nelson, at the top of New Zealand’s South Island. My wife Beth and I run Victus Coffee & Eatery together. Before that, we both worked in specialty coffee—mainly on the roasting side.
What do you love most about coffee?
It’s a global connector. Coffee links producers and drinkers, old and new, farmers and baristas. In a world that can feel divided, coffee has this rare power to unite.
Favourite brew method?
Lately I’ve been using the HARIO Switch a lot—it adds an immersion element to the classic cone and brings new variables into play. It’s fun to experiment with.
Favourite coffee moment?
There are a few! Brewing a half-litre on a Sunday morning before the week begins. Trying my first natural Ethiopian—realising coffee could be fruity, wild, expressive. And honestly, meeting my wife at a roastery over a coffee that turned into a five-hour conversation. We’re still drinking coffee together years later.
Sydney Finalist: Jay Wu (Macquarie University Campus Life / @yeahla_coffee)
Tell us a bit about yourself.
I’m Jay Wu, Head Barista for Macquarie University Campus Life in Sydney. I look after the coffee program across six cafés and bars, and also run two venues day-to-day. Outside of work, I’m a coffee content creator with around half a million followers online.
What do you love most about coffee?
It's versatility. There’s always something new to learn, tweak or explore. I like the balance of precision and creativity.
Favourite brew method?
V60 has always been a favourite. Recently, a friend introduced me to the HARIO Switch, and I’ve adapted my V60 method to work with it. It gives me more control over flow and extraction.
Favourite coffee moment?
Whenever I get to brew slowly, with intention. That’s when I enjoy coffee most—when it’s not just a drink, but a process.
Brisbane Finalist: Hiroto Sasaki (The Hideout Specialty Coffee / @enpojke58)
Tell us a bit about yourself.
I got into the coffee industry when I moved to Australia 2 years ago. Prior to this, I had been home brewing for my family and myself back in Japan.
What do you love most about coffee?
Whenever I make a pour-over, it becomes a little ritual of everyday life. In a way, it transforms into a moment of nothingness in a busy life, similar to meditation if anything. I love putting intention to every step of brewing to deliver not only a tasty cup but also calmness and joy through the process. As I started making coffee for my family, it always reminds me of them whenever I brew a pour-over, which is probably why I always brew with my best care.
Favourite brew method?
For my competition in Brisbane, I have used my Timemore Chestnut C2 grinder, a HARIO plastic V60 dripper, HARIO paper filter, a HARIO electric kettle and a HARIO digital drip scale.
The Finals Are Brewing
Our four finalists, alongside the TBD Melbourne winner will go head-to-head at the V60 Brewers Cup ANZ Final on Thursday 31 July. Expect top-tier technique, experimental recipes, and a whole lot of community spirit. One will be crowned champion — and win a trip to Japan.
Follow along on Instagram for behind-the-scenes coverage, finalist highlights and event recaps as we pour our way toward the grand finale.