From the flag parade to the final clean-down, the World Forum felt like a reunion. Strangers compared notes, fans waved country colors, and shop florists filmed tips to take home. When the World Cup Floral Art 2025 opened its doors, it was not just the competition but also the voices of those walking the aisles, cheering from the seats, and quietly observing from the wings. From seasoned masters who have been part of floral history for decades to sponsors and first-time visitors, everyone carried a perspective worth noting.
The Champion’s Eye: Watching From the Sidelines
World Champion of 2019 Bart Hassam from Australia, this time a spectator, summed up the excitement in simple words:
"More than anything, it’s exciting. It’s fantastic to see prepared items and surprise tasks side by side. It really shows who can cope with both mediums and styles."
Although Australia had no competitor this year, Hassam admitted the thought of stepping back into the arena still "tickles." His favorite tasks? The expressive freedom of the first Tulip Vase brief and the unpredictability of surprise items. "I usually do well in them," he grinned, "and I love making them look like a finished item."
A Veteran's Memory: "I've Been Coming Since 1977"
For Jan Aartsen, the World Cup is almost a lifetime companion. "I've been a boy since 1977," he laughed, recalling his first championship in Nice, France. Since then, he has competed, judged, and trained countless florists, all while keeping an eye on how the event evolves.
Even after nearly half a century, Aartsen sees the same essence shining through craftsmanship and courage.
''Back then we had 24 participants and they came from all over the world then too. Everyone had the same materials, and that's when the true craftsmanship really shines."
His story bridges past and present, showing how the World Cup continues to inspire across generations.
Visitors Finding Inspiration and Delight Everywhere
For florist Petri Rijsdijk of Fiori Bloemen, visiting The Hague was a source of fresh energy:
"Very diverse. Some very simple, and others very beautiful ornaments. Truly so beautiful… I think every creative florist should see this. It’s simply a source of inspiration."
For her, it wasn't just the scale of the event but also the range of ideas - tulip-inspired designs, bursts of red and orange, and unexpected interpretations that made the visit unforgettable.
René van der Biezen, who once competed at the national championships, found himself impressed by how carefully competitors treated their materials:
“The use of materials is really the most important thing. But how they handle it, that’s what makes someone stand out.”
Such reflections underline what many in the hall felt: that beyond spectacle and competition, the World Cup is also a live classroom.
Learning Never Stops
Even the hosts and commentators couldn’t resist being swept up in the learning atmosphere. Morgan-Douglas Nuth, who followed every stage closely, called the show "electric":
"The technical level is extremely high. There are things even I didn’t expect — elements that have never been seen before. Every competition I attend, I discover something new. And this is no exception."
For him, Task 3, themed "Netherlands: Land of Water," stood out as particularly challenging: heavy frameworks, surprise botanicals, and the need to transport completed pieces within a strict timeframe. Yet what amazed him most was how differently every competitor solved the same problem: "One task, twenty-three unique designs. That for me means they’re all winners."
Designers in the Audience
Some designers, like Katharina Albrechtsen from Denmark, who competed at Interflora’s World Cup two years ago, came purely to be inspired:
"I’ve already seen things I haven’t seen before — something I could probably use and make my own style of."
Others, like Joanna Kiedacz from Poland, admitted their favorite moments as spectators were connected to what they personally loved making. "Bouquets are always the best for me,” she said, noting that while prepared tasks allow practice and polish, surprise tasks are the most stressful:
"The clock is ticking, a hundred people are watching… it’s stressful, but also a surprise for everyone. Sometimes the favorites falter, and sometimes someone unexpected shines."
Sponsors on Why the Cup Matters
The event was not just about competitors; sponsors also highlighted why being part of this global stage mattered. Renate Hoogendoorn from Decorum described the atmosphere:
"Honestly, I didn’t expect this beforehand. The energy, how fans come here for their country’s candidate — it’s really cool to see."
For Decorum, the World Cup was both a branding opportunity and a bridge between growers and florists, supported by a docuseries project capturing behind-the-scenes perspectives.
Helena van Achterberg of Marginpar echoed that sentiment:
"We couldn’t have skipped it. The level is fantastically high, and our flowers simply complement that perfectly. What’s really nice is seeing how different backgrounds influence design, and how our flowers were used with such care."
A Championship of People
Between timed builds, jury scoring, and the roar of applause, the World Cup Floral Art 2025 was also a gathering of voices. Some voices came from decades of history, others from first-time visitors. Some were analytical, others simply joyful. But together, they painted a clear picture: this was not just a contest of flowers, but a celebration of people who love them.
And if there’s one common thread in all the interviews, it’s the joy of discovery — whether of a new technique, a new connection, or a new memory.
