Tea is more than just a beverage; it is a cultural symbol, an art form, and a way of life in many countries. Across the world, tea brewing and tasting competitions showcase the highest levels of tea expertise, uniting tea masters, connoisseurs, and enthusiasts in a global celebration of skill, tradition, and innovation.
These competitions test the ability of participants to select, brew, and serve tea with precision and artistry, while also evaluating the sensory experience of tea through aroma, taste, and presentation.
In this article, we explore some of the most prestigious international tea brewing and tasting competitions, their unique characteristics, and their impact on the tea industry.
1. World Tea Brewers Championship (WTBC)
Location: Rotates globally
Founded: 2014
Organizer: World Tea Expo
The World Tea Brewers Championship (WTBC) is one of the most well-known international competitions dedicated to the art of brewing fresh tea. Hosted annually at the World Tea Expo, the competition attracts top tea professionals from around the world.
Competition Structure:
- Competitors are provided with a selection of teas and must prepare them using the best brewing techniques.
- Participants are judged on brewing skills, tea knowledge, and presentation.
- The sensory qualities of the final brewed tea—aroma, taste, clarity, and mouthfeel—are evaluated by expert judges.
- Creativity and innovation in brewing methods are also considered.
Why It’s Important:
This competition sets global standards for tea brewing excellence, showcasing new techniques and influencing trends in the tea industry.
2. Chinese Tea Brewing and Tasting Competition (全国茶艺职业技能大赛)
Location: China (Various Cities)
Founded: 2000
Organizer: China Tea Science Society
China, the birthplace of tea, hosts one of the most prestigious national and international tea brewing competitions. The Chinese Tea Brewing and Tasting Competition focuses on traditional tea ceremony techniques, evaluating competitors based on skill, grace, and precision.
Competition Structure:
- Divided into regional, national, and international levels.
- Tests knowledge of different Chinese teas, including green, oolong, black, and pu-erh.
- Judges assess tea brewing techniques, traditional etiquette, and tea presentation skills.
- Aroma, taste, and aftertaste are key criteria in the evaluation process.
Why It’s Important:
This competition helps preserve China’s rich tea culture, encouraging young tea artists to master and innovate traditional tea-making techniques.
3. Japanese Tea Master Championship (全国茶道選手権大会)
Location: Japan (Kyoto & Tokyo)
Founded: 1998
Organizer: Japanese Tea Association
Japan’s Tea Master Championship is a highly respected competition that evaluates the skills of tea ceremony practitioners and tea brewers. Participants must demonstrate expertise in brewing Japanese teas such as matcha, sencha, and gyokuro while following traditional Chanoyu (tea ceremony) principles.
Competition Structure:
- Contestants perform precise, graceful, and mindful tea preparation.
- Judges assess tea whisking techniques, water temperature control, and the overall aesthetic of the ceremony.
- Tea tasting rounds test participants’ ability to identify different tea varieties through blind tasting.
- The event also includes a matcha latte art challenge, blending tradition with modern creativity.
Why It’s Important:
This competition keeps Japanese tea traditions alive while encouraging innovation in matcha preparation techniques.
4. Tea Masters Cup International
Location: Various countries
Founded: 2013
Organizer: Tea Masters Cup Organization
The Tea Masters Cup International (TMCI) is one of the most dynamic global tea competitions, bringing together professionals from more than 20 countries to showcase their brewing, blending, and tasting skills.
Competition Categories:
- Tea Preparation: Contestants brew teas using perfect water temperature, steeping time, and brewing methods.
- Tea Pairing: Participants create unique tea-food pairings, demonstrating culinary expertise.
- Tea Tasting: A blind test where competitors must identify different teas based on aroma and taste.
- Tea Mixology: A category where tea is combined with other ingredients to create tea-based cocktails and mocktails.
Why It’s Important:
This competition bridges traditional and modern tea culture, inspiring new tea creations while upholding classic brewing standards.
5. Hong Kong International Tea Competition
Location: Hong Kong
Founded: 2009
Organizer: Hong Kong Trade Development Council
The Hong Kong International Tea Competition is held alongside the Hong Kong International Tea Fair, focusing on both tea brewing and tea appreciation.
Competition Highlights:
- Participants prepare and present fresh tea with emphasis on visual appeal and taste balance.
- Tea farmers also compete in the “Best Tea Quality” category, showcasing high-end fresh tea varieties.
- Features a Tea Sommeliers Challenge, testing participants on their ability to pair teas with various foods.
Why It’s Important:
This competition highlights Hong Kong’s role as a tea trade hub, connecting Asian tea culture with international markets.
6. India Tea Tasting Championship
Location: Kolkata, India
Founded: 2015
Organizer: Tea Board of India
India, one of the world’s largest tea producers, hosts the India Tea Tasting Championship, where tea professionals compete in identifying and evaluating different Indian teas, such as Darjeeling, Assam, and Nilgiri.
Competition Structure:
- Blind tea tasting tests where competitors must correctly identify the tea’s origin, processing method, and flavor profile.
- Brewing challenges, assessing skill in bringing out the best flavors from Indian teas.
- Tea grading segment, where participants evaluate the quality of loose-leaf teas.
Why It’s Important:
This event helps promote India’s specialty teas and enhances the skills of tea tasters and traders.
7. European Tea Masters Championship
Location: Various European countries
Founded: 2017
Organizer: European Tea Society
Europe’s interest in premium and artisanal teas has led to the creation of the European Tea Masters Championship, where participants demonstrate excellence in brewing, serving, and pairing tea.
Competition Highlights:
- Tea sommeliers compete in tea-and-dessert pairing challenges.
- Participants create signature tea blends, using European herbs and spices.
- Advanced sensory analysis tests, where contestants must detect subtle notes in specialty teas.
Why It’s Important:
This competition promotes European tea appreciation while integrating global tea traditions.
Conclusion: The Global Evolution of Tea Competitions
Tea brewing and tasting competitions play a crucial role in:
✔ Preserving traditional tea culture
✔ Encouraging innovation in tea preparation
✔ Enhancing global tea industry standards
✔ Bringing together tea lovers, experts, and industry professionals
From China to Japan, India, and Europe, these competitions are shaping the future of tea, ensuring that both ancient traditions and modern innovations continue to thrive. Whether you are a tea master, enthusiast, or industry professional, these events offer a fascinating glimpse into the world of fine tea craftsmanship.
