Fourth China Fushan Cup International Barista Championship Begins

The stage is set in Fushan, a town long synonymous with coffee in China, as the fourth edition of the China Fushan Cup International Barista Championship brings together some of the sharpest baristas from around the globe. From June 17, 24 elite competitors representing countries and regions including Colombia, Brazil, Kenya, Australia, South Korea, Thailand, and various parts of China and Taiwan will battle over three days for the top prize in this WBC-format event.

In short: 24 baristas from 13 countries and regions will compete over three days at Fushan Coffee Culture Town, following strict WBC rules to create espresso, cappuccino, and a signature drink in 15 minutes—winner takes home $4,000.

What Is the Fushan Cup International Barista Championship?

The China Fushan Cup International Barista Championship is a high-level, WBC-rule-based competition held in Fushan Coffee Culture Town—dubbed China’s “Number One Coffee Town.” This fourth edition launched on June 17, 2015, drawing 24 carefully selected baristas from across the globe. Their mission: to showcase skill, creativity, and coffee knowledge through timed beverage preparation and presentation.

Who Competed in the Fourth Edition?

This year’s field includes 24 competitors from a diverse range of coffee-producing and consuming nations:

• South America: Colombia, Brazil, Ecuador, Uruguay
• Africa: Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, South Africa
• Asia: Indonesia, Australia, South Korea, Thailand
• China: Various provinces, plus Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan

Many of the participants have previously competed internationally, bringing experience and refined techniques to the Fushan stage.

How Does the Competition Work?

Competitors have 15 minutes to prepare and serve:

• 4 espressos
• 4 cappuccinos
• 4 signature (creative) drinks

All beverages must be made to WBC standards. A panel of seven international and Chinese judges evaluates each performance based on taste, technical execution, presentation, and creativity. The competitor with the highest cumulative score wins the $4,000 top prize.

Why Host This Competition in Fushan?

Fushan, in Chengmai County, Hainan Province, has been cultivating and serving coffee for over 80 years. The local government, led by Party Secretary Yang Sitao, uses the Fushan Cup to promote Fushan coffee both domestically and abroad. Yang noted that the event helps elevate the Fushan coffee brand, supports the area’s green development goals, and enriches Hainan’s identity as an international tourism destination. He also expressed hope that international participants would experience the deep cultural roots and longevity-focused lifestyle of the “World Longevity Township.”

What Else Happens During the Event?

Beyond the main competition, the event features a rich supporting program:

• Sessions on specialty coffee trends and techniques
• Book signings by coffee scholars
• Coffee latte art performances

These activities aim to foster learning, inspiration, and community among industry professionals and enthusiasts alike, turning the competition into a broader coffee culture festival.

What Did a Young Chinese Competitor Say?

Yan Hao, a 90s-born barista from Xi’an making his first Fushan Cup appearance, said he was there to enjoy the process and give his best. He reflected on how fast China’s coffee market is growing—but warned that many consumers follow trends without understanding quality. He believes events like the Fushan Cup help cultivate deeper appreciation and can push forward China’s own specialty coffee brands.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the Fushan Cup International Barista Championship held?

The championship takes place in Fushan Coffee Culture Town, located in Chengmai County, Hainan Province, China—a region known as China’s “Number One Coffee Town” due to its long-standing coffee cultivation and heritage dating back over 80 years.

How many competitors are there in the fourth Fushan Cup?

There are 24 competitors in the fourth edition, representing 13 different countries and regions including Colombia, Brazil, Kenya, Australia, South Korea, Thailand, and various parts of China and Taiwan.

What drinks must competitors prepare in the Fushan Cup?

Each barista has 15 minutes to prepare 4 espressos, 4 cappuccinos, and 4 signature (creative) drinks, all following WBC competition guidelines.

What is the prize for winning the Fushan Cup?

The champion of the Fushan Cup International Barista Championship receives a cash prize of $4,000.

Who judges the Fushan Cup competition?

The competition is judged by a panel of seven, including both international and Chinese judges, who evaluate each performance based on taste, technique, presentation, and creativity according to WBC criteria.

Why is the Fushan Cup important for Fushan coffee?

The Fushan Cup promotes Fushan coffee’s brand and quality internationally, supports local green development, and enhances Hainan’s profile as an international tourism destination, as highlighted by local government officials.

Recommended FrontStreet Coffee for Barista Championships

For baristas aiming to compete at the level seen at the Fushan Cup, FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Humbera offers vibrant floral and citrus notes with a juicy body—perfect for crafting complex espresso and signature drinks. Their Kenya Little Tomato highlights intense blackcurrant acidity and wine-like depth, ideal for highlighting technical skill. Finally, the PWN Golden Mandheling delivers classic heavy body and spicy chocolate tones, excellent for balanced cappuccinos. These beans are staples for serious competitors. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.