Tag: AeroPress Championship

Neil Golez Crowned Champion of the UAE AeroPress Championship 2025

Posted on by Qahwa World

Dubai – Qahwa World

Neil Golez from Form Roastery in Al Ain has been crowned the Champion of the UAE AeroPress Championship 2025, following three days of intense competition among 250 of the UAE’s most skilled baristas.
Shang Delota from Llama Café claimed second place, while Romario Junior from Modern Coffee by WatchHouse took third.

The championship concluded at Almas Tower, Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), where Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman and CEO of DMCC, crowned the winners in the presence of Garfield Kerr, President of the Specialty Coffee Association and CEO of Mokha 1450, and Khalid Al Mulla, President of the Specialty Coffee Association UAE Chapter and Founder of the Coffee Museum in Dubai.

In his first statement after being crowned champion, Neil Golez told Qahwa World:
“This is actually my third season competing. I already have a gold, a silver, and now this gold again. Honestly, I just wanted to win bronze to complete the set — I didn’t expect to take home the gold!

The coffee itself was quite tricky, especially the beans we were given for the finals. I’m really thankful to my colleagues who helped me perfect my recipes; without them, I couldn’t have achieved the water composition I used.

As for my recipe, I kept it simple — focusing on balancing minerals to reduce acidity and enhance the coffee’s body and sweetness. I’m really happy with the result.”

Neil Golez will represent the United Arab Emirates at the World AeroPress Championship 2025, taking place on December 5–6 in Seoul, South Korea.

This year’s event was held under the theme “Celebrating Coffee Culture”, honoring the UAE’s deep-rooted coffee heritage — from the traditional Arabic coffee prepared in the dallah to the rise of specialty coffee and modern brewing methods such as the AeroPress. The event showcased how these traditions come together to form one of the most vibrant and innovative coffee cultures in the world.

The UAE AeroPress Championship is more than just a competition — it’s a celebration of community, craftsmanship, and culture. This open and inclusive event welcomes everyone: professional baristas, hobbyists, café owners, coffee brands, and casual visitors. Guests enjoyed a lively atmosphere filled with activities, specialty coffee tasting, AeroPress giveaways, and interactive community programs — the perfect setting to discover the latest coffee trends, connect with local roasters, and witness coffee excellence at its finest.

The World AeroPress Championship is one of the most accessible and widely celebrated coffee competitions, with over 175 events across 60+ countries and more than 5,000 participants annually. Its simple, fast-paced, and enjoyable format creates a relaxed environment that allows creativity and skill to shine. All competitors use the same AeroPress device and coffee provided by the official sponsor, ensuring a fair contest that truly tests brewing skill and innovation.

UAE AeroPress Championship 2025 Kicks Off Tomorrow

Posted on by Qahwa World

A Celebration of the UAE’s “Qahwa Culture” in an Atmosphere of Challenge and Creativity

Dubai – Qahwa World

The UAE AeroPress Championship 2025 kicks off tomorrow in its ninth edition, bringing together more than 250 competitors from across the Emirates — alongside café owners, coffee experts, and enthusiasts — in a spectacular celebration of coffee culture under the theme “A Celebration of Qahwa Culture in the Emirates.”

Proudly supported by Qahwa World as the official media partner, the three-day event will take place from November 6th to 8th at Almas Tower – Jumeirah Lake Towers, Dubai. Doors open at 4:30 PM, with competitions beginning at 6:00 PM daily. Admission is free for all coffee lovers across the UAE.

Building on the tremendous success of last year’s championship — recognized as the largest AeroPress competition in the world by number of participants — this year’s edition highlights the harmony between traditional Arabic coffee and modern brewing methods such as the AeroPress, reflecting the UAE’s dynamic and culturally rich coffee landscape.

Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of DMCC, said: “The AeroPress Championship serves as a platform that unites excellence in brewing, cultural expression, and global connection. Hosting this event at Almas Tower, supported by the DMCC Coffee Centre — which processed more than 7,400 metric tonnes of coffee in 2024 — reaffirms our ongoing commitment to strengthening Dubai’s position as a global hub for coffee heritage, trade, and innovation.”

Garfield Kerr, CEO of Mokha 1450 and the event’s organizer, added: “The UAE has become one of the world’s leading destinations for specialty coffee, thanks to its long-standing relationship with Arabic qahwa. This championship celebrates that heritage and gives participants the opportunity to showcase their passion, creativity, and brewing artistry.”

Championship Schedule

  • November 6th: Regional Championship 1 – Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah, Umm Al Quwain

  • November 7th: Regional Championship 2 – Dubai, Ajman, Fujairah

  • November 8th: National Championship – featuring 21 finalists from across the Emirates

The national champion will go on to represent the UAE at the World AeroPress Championship in Seoul, South Korea, on December 5th and 6th, 2025.

More Than a Competition

Beyond its competitive spirit, the UAE AeroPress Championship is a community celebration, offering coffee tastings, interactive experiences, and AeroPress giveaways, along with opportunities to connect with local roasters and coffee brands — all in a vibrant, inclusive atmosphere that embodies the true spirit of qahwa culture.

Sponsors and Partners

Organizer: Mokha 1450
Host: DMCC Coffee Centre – Almas Tower
Gold Sponsors: Polpanorte, Aiya Matcha, CMI Coffee, Boncafé, Oatly, Lohas Beans
Silver Sponsors: Stree F&B, KGN Coffee, RAW Coffee Company, Coffee Museum, Karam Coffee
Bronze Sponsors: Steens Middle East, Brewing Gadgets, Victoria Arduino
Media Partner: Qahwa World

The UAE AeroPress Championship is more than just a brewing competition — it is a living expression of community, creativity, and the enduring spirit of coffee in the Emirates.

2025 uae aeropress championship returns this november with a new theme celebrating “qahwa qulture”

Posted on by Qahwa World

Dubai – Qahwa World

The UAE’s most anticipated and inclusive coffee competition is back – and promises to be better than ever.  The 2025 UAE AeroPress Championship returns for its ninth edition, bringing together competitors, café owners, industry professionals, and coffee lovers from across the Emirates in what is now considered one of the most exciting and dynamic coffee events in the region.

Building on the momentum of last year’s record-breaking success – which saw the UAE host the largest coffee competition in the world by number of competitors – the 2025 edition will celebrate the unique and evolving coffee culture of the Emirates under the theme: “A Celebration of Qahwa Qulture in the Emirates.”

This year’s theme pays tribute to the UAE’s deep-rooted coffee heritage – from traditional Arabic Qahwa brewed in a dallah to the rise of specialty coffee and modern methods like the AeroPress.  The event will highlight how these traditions now coexist and shape one of the most vibrant and innovative coffee cultures in the world.

The event’s host, Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, DMCC, said: “The global coffee industry generates more than USD 200 billion each year, spanning production, trade, culture, and consumption, and supports the livelihoods of approximately 25 million farmers. As a longstanding champion of the sector, I have witnessed first-hand the opportunities it creates for producers and consumers alike. As the industry continues to expand and transform, the UAE AeroPress Championship is not only a celebration of brewing excellence; it is a platform for cultural expression and global connection. Hosting the championship at DMCC’s Almas Tower, with support from the DMCC Coffee Centre, which processed more than 7,400 metric tonnes of coffee in 2024 and has recently expanded its capacity to provide even greater market access for our members, reflects our continued commitment to advancing the sector and strengthens Dubai’s position as a global hub for coffee heritage, trade, and innovation.”

The organizer of the event and CEO of Mokha 1450, Garfield Kerr, said: “Dubai and the UAE writ large has become one of the leading specialty coffee markets and coffee destinations in the world, and I do not think this happened by chance. The long history of coffee in the UAE means that coffee is not just a daily dose of caffeine to get you through the day, but a cultural cornerstone that elevates and adds a sense of measure to a normal day.  Furthermore, coffee is used to imbue importance and ceremony to significant events and social gatherings.  Each household has a special recipe for “Qahwa” or “coffee”, that is closely guarded, passed down for generations, and is still referenced for the daily preparation of coffee. For this reason, there is always a very strong level of enthusiasm, passion, as well as innovation at the UAE AeroPress Championship. Accordingly, this year’s iteration, will place the cultural significance of Qahwa in the UAE on full display.”

EVENT FORMAT & DATES

For 2025, the Championship will again feature two Regional Championships followed by the National Championship, all hosted at the DMCC Almas Conference Centre, Almas Tower, Jumeirah Lake Towers, Dubai.

  • REGION ONE CHAMPIONSHIP
    November 6th, 2025 – 6pm onwards
    Featuring: Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah, and Umm Al Quwain
  • REGION TWO CHAMPIONSHIP
    November 7th, 2025 – 6pm onwards
    Featuring: Dubai, Ajman, and Fujairah
  • 2025 NATIONAL AEROPRESS CHAMPIONSHIP
    November 8th, 2025 – 6pm onwards
    Featuring: 21 finalists – the top three from each Emirate

Each regional round will see 36 competitors per Emirate, highlighting the growing interest and talent across the country.

The national champion will earn the honour of representing the UAE at the 2025 World AeroPress Championship, which takes place December 5th and 6th, in Seoul, South Korea.

A GATHERING FOR THE ENTIRE COFFEE COMMUNITY – AND IT’S FREE TO ATTEND

More than just a competition, the UAE AeroPress Championship is a celebration of community, craftsmanship, and culture.  This open and inclusive event welcomes everyone – from professional baristas to hobbyist brewers, café owners, coffee brands, and curious spectators.

Attendees will be immersed in a vibrant atmosphere filled with activations, specialty coffee tastings, AeroPress giveaways, and engaging community programming. It’s the perfect place to discover emerging coffee trends, connect with local roasters, and witness coffee excellence in action.

ABOUT THE COMPETITION

The World AeroPress Championship is the most accessible and widespread coffee competition globally, with over 175 events across more than 60 countries and 5,000+ participants annually.  The format is simple, fun, and fast-paced, providing a relaxed environment where creativity and technique shine.

All competitors brew using the AeroPress with the same coffee provided by the official coffee sponsor, ensuring a level playing field that truly tests brewing skill and ingenuity.

WHAT IS AN AEROPRESS?

The AeroPress is a compact and affordable manual coffee brewing device that uses a combination of pressure and immersion to create unique coffee profiles.  Invented by Alan Adler, its flexibility and ease of use have made it a favourite among baristas and home brewers alike.  The first AeroPress Championship was held in 2008 and has since grown into a global phenomenon.

SPONSORS

GOLD

– Aiya

– Polpanorte

– CMI

– Bon’cafe

– Oatley

– Lohas

  SILVER

– Stree F&B

– KGN

– Raw Coffee Company

– Coffee Museum

– Karam

 

  BRONZE

– Steens

– Brewing Gadgets

– Victoria Arduino

MEDIA PARTNER

– Qahwaworld

 

Iraq’s First AeroPress Championship to Take Place in October

Posted on by Qahwa World

Baghdad, October 3, 2025 (Qahwa World) –Iraq will host its first-ever AeroPress Championship on October 3, 2025, organized by Jubran Coffee Roastery in collaboration with Colab Ltd. The event marks the country’s entry into the international network of coffee competitions.

The championship will follow a knockout format, with competitors preparing coffee within five minutes using the original or clear AeroPress device. Beverages will be presented anonymously to the judging panel for blind tasting, and any competitor exceeding the time limit will be disqualified.

Rules require at least 150 grams of brewed coffee with a maximum of 18 grams of ground coffee. Paper, metal, or cloth filters are permitted if compatible with the original filter cap. Organizers will provide competition water prepared to official specifications, along with grinders such as the Mahlkönig EK43 and Omnia on stage.

Participants will receive a 225-gram bag of coffee for training and a 20-gram bag during the competition. Entry is open to all, and the national winner will qualify to represent Iraq at the World AeroPress Championship 2025.

The judging panel will feature international figures, including Ali Reza, a champion with over a decade of experience, who has achieved first place at the 2024 Turkey Roasting Championship and top rankings at world-level Brewers Cup and Cezve/Ibrik competitions.

Registration is set at 50,000 IQD and opens on Friday via the official account @aeropress.iraq. Inquiries and complaints can be directed to [email protected].

The championship will be held as part of the Coffee and Tea Festival.

Oman Coffee Community Announces the AeroPress Championship 2025

Posted on by Qahwa World

Muscat, September 7, 2025 (Qahwa World) – The Oman Coffee Community has officially announced the launch of the Oman AeroPress Championship 2025, set to take place from October 3 to 4 at Rozna Hall in Muscat. The highly anticipated competition promises two days of excitement, creativity, and skill, where coffee enthusiasts and professionals will compete for the national title and the chance to represent Oman at the World AeroPress Championship finals.

The event will span two consecutive days: the qualifiers on October 3 and the final showdown on October 4, where the champion will be crowned.
Competitors will face off in head-to-head elimination rounds, with each participant given just five minutes to grind, brew, and present their coffee using the AeroPress brewer. The submissions will be evaluated through a blind tasting process, ensuring impartiality and fairness.

Rules and Regulations

The competition follows the official World AeroPress Championship guidelines, designed to guarantee transparency and equal opportunities. Key highlights include:

  • Format: Multi-round, elimination-style tournament.

  • Time limit: Five minutes per competitor for the complete process.

  • Brewer specifications:

    • Only AeroPress Original or AeroPress Clear are permitted.

    • Use of the Flow Control Filter Cap is allowed if it is a genuine AeroPress product.

    • Other versions (Go, XL, Premium) are not allowed.

    • Custom-painted or trophy AeroPress brewers are permitted, provided they are original and unaltered.

  • Filters: Any type (paper, metal, cloth, etc.) may be used, as long as it fits inside the cap and does not alter flavor.

  • Ingredients: Only ground coffee and water are permitted. If official coffee or water is provided by the host, competitors must use them exclusively.

  • Dosage: Maximum of 18g of ground coffee, with a minimum output of 150g of brewed coffee.

  • Accessories: Grinders, kettles, scales, stirrers, thermometers, WDT/RDT tools, chillers, and other brewing aids are permitted, provided they do not violate the brewer specifications.

The Judging

Judges will taste each entry blind, with competitor names hidden to ensure neutrality. Each judge makes an independent decision without discussion, pointing simultaneously to their preferred cup on a synchronized count of three. In case of a full tie, the Head Judge makes the final decision after tasting all entries.

Registration

The registration fee is set at 12 OMR + 5% (total 12.6 OMR). Registration is confirmed only after payment and submission of the receipt via the official form. Participants are required to provide their full details, including civil number, email, and contact number. The full competition rules and regulations can be found here.

The winner of the Oman AeroPress Championship will secure the honor of representing the Sultanate at the World Finals. Should the champion be unable to attend, eligibility will pass to the runner-up, then the third-place competitor. This ensures Oman’s representation on the international stage, reinforcing the country’s growing presence in the specialty coffee community.

The World AeroPress Championship was launched in 2008 in Oslo, Norway, with only three competitors. It quickly grew into a global event, now held across dozens of countries and attracting thousands of participants each year. The championship is unique in being open to everyone — both professionals and amateurs — making it one of the most popular and inclusive competitions in the world of specialty coffee.