Battle of the Beans was a digital-first competition series created for The Barista League, designed to preserve the energy, inclusivity, and community of their in-person events during the COVID-19 pandemic.

As global lockdowns disrupted live gatherings, The Barista League needed a way to translate its highly social, people-driven experience into an online format without losing its sense of play, competition, or cultural relevance.

As creative producer and director, I led the development and production of 27 episodes across three seasons, reimagining the competition through a reality-TV-inspired format influenced by shows like Taskmaster. Working with baristas from six continents, I designed participatory challenges that were accessible, entertaining, and deeply rooted in specialty coffee culture.

The series successfully engaged a global audience of coffee professionals and enthusiasts, generating 250K+ views, attracting strategic brand partnerships, and featuring respected industry judges. Battle of the Beans demonstrated how thoughtful digital production can sustain community, creativity, and connection—even when physical spaces disappear.