Contests
‘Compete’ is the third pillar of the ASI program of excellence, and also its most famous. The ASI World’s Best Sommelier Contest has been in existence since 1969, the same year that the association itself was founded. One might say that the urge to compete, to identify the best and brightest performers of the sommelier arts under the brightest of lights, is part of ASI’s very DNA.
Claiming the crown of ASI Best Sommelier of the World — as Marc Almert of Germany did in 2019 — certainly changes the life of that one deserving winner. The contest has historically been held every three years, but due to COVID-related delays Almert’s successor – Raimonds Tomsons (Latvia) was crowned in 2023 in Paris, France.
Competition forges the steel inside //
The true value of ASI Contests has little to do with glory. International, national and even local contests by ASI member associations all serve a similar purpose: providing a platform for demonstrating the service excellence mastered in the ‘Learn’ and ‘Challenge’ phases.
The very act of preparing for competition brings sommeliers to the cutting edge of their craft. In return for their dedication, ASI contests encourage sommeliers to expand their local, national, and international networks, motivates them to perfect their skills, and helps widen knowledge of the sommelier profession in the public at large.
The competitions are open to candidates from restaurants, wine bars, wine merchants, or the larger enogastronomy business. All ASI competitions are planned and executed under the supervision and oversight of the Sommeliers Contests Committee.
Agenda EN

2023
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May-June
Certification 1
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4th-5th July 2023 (+5-6th July Wine Symposium held by Finnish Sommelier Association)
GA, Helsinki, Finland
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October-November
Certification 2
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29th October- 1st November 2023
Bootcamp Americas, Quito, Ecuador

2024
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22nd-24th February 2024
GA, Monaco
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4th March 2024
ASI Diploma exam
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10th-15th November 2024
Best Sommelier Europe & Africa 2024, Belgrade, Serbia
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Tbc
Bootcamp Europe and Africa 2024
To come 2025 & 2026 TBC
Best Sommelier Americas
Best Sommelier Asia & Pacific
Bootcamp Asia & Pacific
Best Sommelier of the World
Cape Town GA May 2025