First China Fushan Cup International Barista Championship Results

In June 2012, a small town in China’s southernmost province became the unlikely host to the country’s first major international barista showdown. Organized to promote Hainan’s locally grown Fushan coffee, the event drew some of the world’s top baristas—not just to compete, but to showcase the potential of a regional Chinese coffee identity on a competitive global stage.

The first China Fushan Cup International Barista Championship crowned Korea’s Choi Hyunsun as champion. He beat out 10 other elite baristas, including past World Barista Championship finalists and national champions from Japan, Colombia, Italy, Brazil, Thailand, and China.

What Was the Fushan Cup?

The inaugural Fushan Cup took place over two days, June 22–23, 2012, in Fushan Coffee Cultural Town, Hainan Province. The competition was jointly organized by the Chengmai County Committee and Government of Hainan, the Hainan Coffee Industry Association, and supported by media including Coffee Salon and Coffee Tea & i. Its goal was to boost awareness of Fushan coffee, a regional product, while giving international baristas a rare platform in China.

Who Won the First Fushan Cup?

Korea’s Choi Hyunsun took first place. He was the 2011 Korean Barista Championship winner and had also placed seventh in the 2011 World Barista Championship (WBC). The full podium and rankings were:

• Champion: Choi Hyunsun (South Korea) – 2011 Korea Champion, 2011 WBC 7th
• Runner-Up: Akihiro Okada (Japan) – 2008–09 Japan Champion, 2009 WBC 10th
• Third Place: Ever Bernal Echaverria (Colombia) – 2011 Colombia Champion
• Fourth Place: Davide Cobelli (Italy) – Multiple Italian competition veteran, IIAC trainer
• Fifth Place: Graciele Rodrigues (Brazil) – Three-time Brazilian Champion
• Sixth Place (tied): Wisanu Booncheun (Thailand) – 2011 Thailand Champion
• Sixth Place (tied): Hongjie (China) – 2011 China National Champion

Why This Competition Mattered

Though relatively unknown today, the 2012 Fushan Cup marked one of the first times China hosted an international barista competition focused partly on promoting a domestic coffee origin. Fushan coffee, grown in Hainan, was still a developing regional product, and the event aimed to put it—and China’s coffee culture—on the map alongside established coffee nations. The presence of past WBC finalists and national champions underscored its credibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where was the first Fushan Cup held?

The first Fushan Cup International Barista Championship was held in Fushan Coffee Cultural Town, Hainan Province, China, over June 22–23, 2012.

Who won the first Fushan Cup?

Choi Hyunsun from South Korea won the championship. He was the 2011 Korean Barista Champion and had placed 7th in the 2011 World Barista Championship.

Which countries were represented in the competition?

Baristas competed from South Korea, Japan, Colombia, Italy, Brazil, Thailand, and China, making it a truly international event.

What was the goal of the Fushan Cup?

The competition aimed to promote Hainan’s Fushan coffee and raise the profile of Chinese coffee culture through an international barista competition.

Did any past WBC competitors take part?

Yes, several past World Barista Championship participants competed, including Choi Hyunsun (2011 WBC 7th) and Akihiro Okada (2009 WBC 10th).

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