Reeze Choi crowned ASI Best Sommelier of Asia & Oceania 2025

The event took place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from September 7 to 10, 2025. For four days, the Malaysian capital became the epicenter of Asian sommellerie, hosting the prestigious ASI Best Sommelier of Asia & Oceania competition. The gathering drew a diverse audience – presidents of ASI member associations, partners, sommeliers from across the region, and wine enthusiasts – all united in celebrating the excellence and future of a profession on the rise in this part of the world.

As in every ASI competition, the first highlight came with the announcement of the semi-finalists. Seven candidates distinguished themselves during the preliminary rounds, reflecting the diversity and dynamism of the Asian and Pacific scene: China, Japan, and Malaysia – already accustomed to podium finishes – alongside Taiwan, Kazakhstan, South Korea, and Singapore.

This breadth underlined the rapid expansion of sommellerie in territories where wine culture, still relatively new in some cases, is advancing at a remarkable pace.

ASI President William Wouters was quick to salute the outstanding level of competition:

“Eastern sommeliers have reached the highest standards of the profession. Judging by the level of competition I have witnessed here, I expect that Shinya Tasaki, ASI Best Sommelier of the World 1995, will soon be joined by another sommelier from this region as a world champion. It is truly rewarding to attend this event, as it demonstrates the hard work of our regional sommelier associations in partnership with ASI, and their constant drive to provide learning initiatives such as the ASI guidelines for sommeliers, opportunities like the ASI Bootcamp, and accreditations through our ASI Certification and ASI Diploma”.

When the finals began, the atmosphere reached a new intensity. The announcement of the finalists, in reverse order, heightened the suspense. Fourth place went to Patrick Chiu of Taiwan, paving the way for an exceptional trio: Yi Ying Yong of Malaysia (ASI Diploma Gold 2025, ASI Bootcamp 2025 participant), Ratmir Akhmetov of Kazakhstan (ASI Diploma Gold 2020, also a Bootcamp 2025 participant), and Reeze Choi of China (ASI Diploma Gold 2020, ASI Bootcamp 2025 tutor).
 

First to step onto the stage, Malaysia’s Yi Ying Yong faced a demanding series of challenges combining service tasks, blind tastings, and advanced theoretical exercises. Each finalist then had to prove, before a jury and an engaged audience, complete mastery of the sommelier’s art: precision in food and wine pairing, accuracy of sensory analysis, stage presence, and that rare blend of elegance and composure which defines the very best.

As the last tests concluded, a solemn hush fell over the hall, every eye fixed on the impending verdict. Finally, amid resounding applause, President William Wouters revealed the name of the champion: Reeze Choi, representing China, was crowned ASI Best Sommelier of Asia & Oceania 2025.
 

This well-deserved recognition honors a professional renowned for his rigor, pedagogical spirit, and commitment to mentoring the next generation of sommeliers in the region. His victory also highlights the remarkable progress of sommellerie in China, now an essential player on the global wine map.

With this new champion, Asia & Oceania confirms its growing influence and asserts itself as one of the most promising hubs for international sommellerie.

Photos : Association de la Sommellerie Internationale / Andy Kho Photography
 

2025 Podium:

• First place : Reeze Choi (Chine)
• Second place : Yi Ying Yong (Malaisie)
• Third place : Ratmir Akhmetov (Kazakhstan)