How to Participate
- Register on the HookahBattle website in your chosen division.
- Record a short video of approximately 30 seconds.
- Post your video on “X” using the hashtag #hookahbattle2027. The NEWEMO account will repost competition videos.
- Take part in the online qualification voting.
Participants with the highest number of votes will qualify for the competition.
The same rules apply to contestants from Japan and other countries. Everyone must submit a video and participate in the online voting process under equal conditions.
Participant Selection
The tournament will feature 18 contestants:
- 16 contestants will be selected through online voting.
- 4 contestants will receive spots based on recommendations from Shisha Japan, with two spots allocated to each division.
Competition Theme — “Japan”
The organizers have expanded the original theme of “Wa” into the broader concept of “Japan”, giving participants more creative freedom to express their own interpretation.
The challenge is to represent Japan not only through visual decoration, but also through flavor, aroma, and the overall concept of the mix.
Every element of the presentation should contribute to one cohesive idea.
Judging Criteria
1. MIX — Composition and Creativity
Judges will evaluate the ingredients of the mix, its concept, originality, and the overall impression of the creation.
2. Visual Presentation
The appearance and design of the hookah will be evaluated.
The organizers are also considering expanding this criterion to include the aesthetic presentation of the entire hookah setup.
3. Flavor and Aroma Clarity
Flavors and aromas must be clear and distinguishable, allowing judges to easily identify and evaluate the combination intended by the contestant.
4. Smoke Volume and Quality
Participants must demonstrate their technical skills, including proper hookah preparation and the ability to produce an appropriate volume and quality of smoke.
5. Theme Interpretation
The flavor, aroma, visual presentation, and overall concept of the mix must reflect the competition theme: “Japan.”
How Judging Will Work
Competition entries will be evaluated by both judges and audience members.
Each contestant will prepare hookahs for tasting, after which judges and audience members will award points according to the established criteria.
The contestant with the highest total score will be declared the winner.
To ensure a fair scoring system, the number of points available to each judge and audience member will be determined once the final lineup of contestants has been confirmed.