![IMG_4798](https://www.baristamagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/IMG_4798.jpg)
As I mentioned in yesterday’s report from the Big Eastern, we are so sad we can’t be there! Ken is at the Italian Coffee Championships in Rimini, Italy, while I am essentially chained to my desk all weekend finishing up the February+March issue of Barista Magazine. Lucky for us, our dear friend, Lem Butler ”oh, yeah, you know him: he’s won the SE Regional Barista Competition 4 freakin times! ”is our on-the-ground reporter at the event in Durham, N.C. Check out the wonderful photos he’s taken!
![Ben Helfen of Counter Culture Coffee takes a turn emceeing and interviewing competitors.](http://baristamagazine.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/IMG_4797-300x225.jpg)
![Are YOU a member?](http://baristamagazine.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/IMG_4799-225x300.jpg)
![Standing room only on the second day of competition!](http://baristamagazine.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/IMG_4800-300x225.jpg)
![Barista Mag in the house! Free copies for everybody!](http://baristamagazine.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/IMG_4798-225x300.jpg)
![Whooooo will go home with this sucker?](http://baristamagazine.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/IMG_4796-225x300.jpg)
![Again, we just can't get over what a gorgeous competition space this is... Big ups to Counter Culture Coffee and Dallis Bros. Coffee for hosting the Big Eastern!](http://baristamagazine.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/IMG_4801-300x225.jpg)
![What a crowd!](http://baristamagazine.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/IMG_4795-300x225.jpg)
![Judges taking their work seriously. They have a lot of responsibility!](http://baristamagazine.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/IMG_4753-300x225.jpg)