The first contest was held in 1969 in Brussels, Belgium by Association de la Sommellerie Internationale (A.S.I).

Every three years candidates will meet for 4 days of high-level tests, tasting, service tasks – all aimed at putting them in professional situations to test their skills and abilities. Candidates are from  association members of A.S.I, together with the three continent winners of A.S.I Best Sommelier of Europe and Africa, A.S.I Best Sommelier of the Americas and A.S.I Best Sommelier of Asia & Oceania assemble to vie for the title of Best Sommelier of The World.

Malaysia was represented in the Best Sommelier of The World since 2010 in Santiago, Chile and have been actively participating in all subsequent competitions. This contributes to a better knowledge of sommeliers and the hospitality industry thanks to the ASI Best Sommelier of the World contest.