Winner Reeze Choi of China (center) with finalists Yi Ying Yong of Malaysia, second place (left), and Ratmir Akhmetov of Kazakhstan, third place (right), at the ASI Best Sommelier of Asia and Pacific 2025.
The Association de la Sommellerie Internationale (ASI), the non-profit global governing body of sommellerie, is pleased to announce the winner of the ASI Best Sommelier of Asia and Pacific 2025.
The event was held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from 7-10 September and attracted an audience of member association presidents, partners, visiting sommeliers, and wine lovers. As with many ASI contests, the first climactic moment came with the announcement of the finalists. The 7 semi-finalists represented candidates from throughout the region, with perennial favourites such as China, Japan and Malaysia joined by contestants from Taiwan, Kazakhstan, South Korea and Singapore.
Reflecting on the semi-finalists, ASI president William Wouters says, “These sommeliers have reached the highest standards of sommellerie. From the level of competition I witnessed here, I expect Shinya Tasaki, ASI Best Sommelier of the World 1995, will be joined by another sommelier from the region as a world champion in the not-too-distant future. Watching this contest, is very rewarding, as it displays how the tireless work of our regional sommelier associations in partnership with ASI and its continuing desire to provide learning initiatives like the ASI Sommelier Guidelines, opportunities such as ASI Bootcamp and accreditations such as our ASI Certifications and ASI Diploma.”
As the audience settled in for the grand finale, an electric tension gripped the room. The names of the semi-finalists were called in reverse order, each announcement bringing the competitors closer to the ultimate prize. When Patrick Chiu of Taiwan was revealed as the fourth-place finisher, a ripple of anticipation swept through the remaining three: Yi Ying Yong of Malaysia (ASI Diploma Gold 2025, ASI Bootcamp 2025 participant), Ratmir Akhmetov of Kazakhstan (ASI Diploma Gold 2020, ASI Bootcamp 2025 participant) and Reeze Choi of China (ASI Diploma Gold 2020, ASI Bootcamp 2025 tutor).
The trio stepped forward to draw lots, sealing the order in which they would face their final challenges. First to step into the spotlight was Yi Ying Yong, immediately thrust into a demanding sequence of service, tasting, and theory tasks – each designed to push even the most seasoned sommelier to their limits. One by one, the finalists showcased their mastery: sharp palates, unshakable composure, and an elegance of service that defines the pinnacle of the profession.
After the final task of the final contestant concluded, the room fell silent as the knowledge of the results of the judging would soon be revealed. After what must have seemed like an eternity for the contestants Ratmir Akhmetov was awarded third place (second runner-up), leaving just two contenders standing in a charged moment of anticipation.
Then, to an eruption of applause, William Wouters declared the winner – the new ASI Best Sommelier of Asia and Pacific is Reeze Choi of China.
On the podium
First place: Reeze Choi, China
Runner-up: Yi Ying Yong, Malaysia
Second runner-up: Ratmir Akhmetov, Kazakhstan