The AeroPress Championship Fall Tour is heating up coffee scenes worldwide with a string of national and regional contests ahead of December’s global final in Seoul, South Korea. Over 60 countries will send competitors to the championship’s finale at Studio Layer 41 in Seoul’s Seongsu-Dong district, but initially, baristas must battle locally. Honduran Coffee Institute kicks off Central America’s contests March 21-22, charging $28.75 per competitor entry.
From Berlin to Jakarta, events blend high-stakes brewing with community vibes, mixing live music, coffee tastings, and giveaways. In Indonesia, three regional contests kick off in Medan (May 28) and Bandung (July 2), narrowing contenders to a national final in August. Ireland’s Cork event on August 29 and Germany’s Berlin showdown on September 28 promise fierce rivalries, while New Zealand wraps its national contest July 25. The Cork competition features a seven-day refund policy, ensuring flexibility for attendees who register early.
Brew battles ignite from Medan to Berlin, blending live beats, tastings, and regional showdowns into community-fueled coffee clashes this summer.
Competitor experiences vary by region, shaped by entry fees and local flair. In Laos, entry costs $30–90, while Japan charges 15,000 yen. Some national winners, like Ireland’s champion, get flights and hotels covered for Seoul. Registration ranges from Rp 399,000 in Indonesia to $45 NZD in New Zealand, opening doors for diverse demographics.
Events don’t just test skills—they celebrate coffee culture. One barista might tweak grind size under a timer; another might swap tips with judges between rounds. The format’s loose: brew, present, advance. Judges score taste, technique, and creativity, rewarding those who balance precision with personality.
Beyond competition, the tour builds community. In Seoul, the final’s “Roasters Village” and “Bakers Lane” will showcase local flavors, but smaller events lean on music and mingling. A DJ might spin beats in Jakarta as newcomers sip experimental brews.
Berlin’s September contest could draw crowds cheering unusual recipes—think orange peel infusions or cinnamon twists. For many, it’s less about winning than sharing tricks. “You learn from everyone,” said a 2024 finalist. “Even judges chat about their favorite methods.”
With registration details online and partners promoting deadlines, the tour’s goal stays clear: unite coffee lovers, one AeroPress at a time.
