Second China Fushan Cup Barista Champs Kick Off in Hainan

On June 9, 2023, the second edition of the China Fushan Cup International Barista Championship opened in Chengmai County’s Fushan Town, Hainan, drawing 24 reigning national champions from around the world. This elite field included competitors from the United States, Colombia, Uganda, Ecuador, Australia, South Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Singapore, as well as mainland China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. Their mission: to claim the title of Fushan Cup champion through skill, precision, and artistry in coffee brewing.

In short: 24 national champion baristas from 13 countries and regions are competing in the 2023 China Fushan Cup to find the top international barista, judged under global standards in Fushan, Hainan.

What Is the Fushan Cup International Barista Championship?

The China Fushan Cup International Barista Championship is a high-level, competitive stage for the world’s best baristas. Held in Fushan, Hainan—a region with over a century of coffee cultivation history—the event showcases the craft of professional baristas as they prepare espresso-based drinks and signature beverages under strict time and technique constraints. This year’s contest is larger and more internationally diverse than the first edition.

Who Competed in the 2023 Fushan Cup?

This year’s championship featured 24 national champion baristas representing countries and regions including the United States, Colombia, Uganda, Ecuador, Australia, South Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Singapore, along with mainland China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. Many of these baristas are current or former national champions in their home countries, bringing elite-level skills to the Hainan stage.

Judging, Standards, and Global Representation

The judging panel included experts from Colombia, Indonesia, and South Korea, ensuring evaluation aligned with international competition criteria. The event was organised under principles of fairness, openness, and impartiality. Judges evaluated competitors on taste balance, technical execution, presentation, and creativity. The aim was to maintain global standards similar to those used in World Barista Championship events.

International Guests and Industry Presence

The event attracted over a hundred guests from national and regional coffee associations across Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan. Observers included industry professionals from well-known domestic and international coffee companies. Notably, Solomon from the Ugandan government and Paulo P. Espinoza, Commercial Counselor of the Ecuadorian Consulate General in Guangzhou, were present to support their respective national competitors and promote their countries’ coffee profiles.

What Did International Guests Say About the Event?

Solomon, a Ugandan government representative, described Fushan’s climate and scenery as captivating upon his arrival on June 8. He noted strong potential for coffee growth in China, citing the popularity of tea alongside increasing coffee consumption among Chinese youth and the booming presence of brands like Starbucks. Paulo P. Espinoza highlighted Ecuador’s year-round coffee harvest, which leads to diverse coffee profiles, and expressed enthusiasm for the opportunities Ecuadorian specialty coffees could bring to Hainan’s coffee professionals.

Event Organisation and Venue

The competition took place at the Fushan Coffee Culture Centre, where the ambiance blended traditional and modern elements, highlighting Fushan’s longstanding coffee heritage. The venue offered attendees a sensory experience of Fushan’s coffee culture alongside the technical spectacle of elite barista competitions.

The event was jointly organised by the CPC Chengmai County Committee and Chengmai County People’s Government, with event operations handled by Fushan Coffee United Company. Co-organisers included the Fushan Coffee Resort Management Committee and the Hainan Coffee Industry Association.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where was the 2023 China Fushan Cup International Barista Championship held?

The 2023 China Fushan Cup International Barista Championship took place in Fushan Town, Chengmai County, Hainan Province, China, at the Fushan Coffee Culture Centre.

How many baristas competed in the 2023 Fushan Cup?

A total of 24 national champion baristas from 13 different countries and regions competed in the 2023 Fushan Cup International Barista Championship.

Which countries were represented in the 2023 Fushan Cup?

Countries represented included the United States, Colombia, Uganda, Ecuador, Australia, South Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Singapore, as well as mainland China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong.

Were international judges involved in the 2023 Fushan Cup?

Yes, the judging panel included judges from Colombia, Indonesia, and South Korea, and the competition was judged according to international standards with a focus on fairness, transparency, and openness.

What did international guests say about China’s coffee market?

Ugandan and Ecuadorian representatives expressed strong optimism about the future of coffee in China, noting the rising interest among Chinese youth and the growing presence of global coffee chains like Starbucks.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Barista Competition Brewing

For baristas aiming to showcase high-quality brewing like those at the Fushan Cup, FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Humbera offers vibrant floral and citrus notes with a juicy body—ideal for highlighting technique. The Panama Humbera brings sweet stone fruit and cocoa complexity, perfect for signature drinks. Both are single-origin beans roasted to highlight clarity and origin character, making them excellent choices for competitive brewing. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.