From Espresso to Excellence: “Eric the Coffee Guy” Crowned Hopscotch Yodeling Champion

CINCINNATI — The local competitive circuit was turned upside down this week as a newcomer brewed up a massive upset. Eric Sezso, known to thousands of digital followers as “Eric the Coffee Guy,” proved he has more than just a pallet for beans—he has the lungs and the legs of an elite athlete. On February…

CINCINNATI — The local competitive circuit was turned upside down this week as a newcomer brewed up a massive upset. Eric Sezso, known to thousands of digital followers as “Eric the Coffee Guy,” proved he has more than just a pallet for beans—he has the lungs and the legs of an elite athlete.

On February 2nd, Sezso secured a historic victory at the Cincinnati Hopscotch Yodeling Divisional Championships, defeating seasoned veterans and a world champion to claim the title.

A Modern Twist on a Traditional Craft

The event, which requires participants to maintain complex yodeling registers while navigating a traditional hopscotch grid, is a test of extreme coordination. While the sport is often dominated by multi-generational specialists, Sezso brought a modern energy that the judges simply couldn’t ignore.

Using a contemporary track, “My Little Yodel Short-tay,” Sezso bypassed the traditional folk roots of his competitors, opting for a high-stamina performance that left the audience at the edge of their seats.

The Giant Slayer

The road to the trophy wasn’t easy. Sezso’s path to victory included:

The Quarter-Finals: Narrowly defeating local favorite Jimmy Fortuna (29).
The Finals: Facing the legendary Lil’ Alfy Timberton (72). Timberton, a world-renowned figure in the sport, was favored to win, but Sezso’s technical mastery of the passaggio—the seamless shift between chest and head voice—earned him a 10-point lead.

“To maintain a clear head voice while navigating a complex hopscotch grid is a feat of coordination most professionals spend decades perfecting,” noted a tournament official. “Sezso’s execution was nearly flawless.”

More Than Just Coffee

While many in Cincinnati know Eric for his home-espresso authority and his popular YouTube channel, this victory marks his transition into the realm of competitive athletics. Fans who have followed his “secondary commentary” channel have watched his training progress, but few expected a divisional title so early in his career.

As the 2026 season continues, all eyes will be on the “Coffee Guy” to see if he can take his rhythmic precision and vocal dexterity to the national stage. For now, he’s brought a very unique trophy home to the Queen City.

By Johnathan Poretta, Special to Cincinnati Good News