%20copy%202-2.png)
If you want to see what happens when elite artistry meets high-stakes pressure, the design floor of the Gateway to the Americas Cup is the place to be.
This year, the spectacular event was held in conjunction with the Florida State Florist Association (FSFA) International Annual Convention in Orlando, Florida. It represents the absolute pinnacle of international floral design—a place where flowers cease to be mere decorations and become living sculptures, avant-garde fashion statements, and emotionally resonant masterworks.
Every two years, this prestigious competition travels to different vibrant locations around the world, gathering a hand-selected group of elite international designers. These artists are carefully chosen through preliminary national contests or scouted directly by the advisory board, earning an exclusive invitation to compete on the global stage.
Let's take a look at the rich history of the Cup, the design tasks of the 2026 event, and the brilliant champions who just made history!
To truly understand the spirit of the Gateway to the Americas Cup, you have to look at the family who built it: Gus and Deborah De La Flor.
The competition was founded in 1996 out of a profound love for the floral community. After traveling, teaching, and presenting floral masterclasses throughout North, Central, and South America, Gus and Deborah fell in love with the vibrant talent they encountered. They recognized a need to unite the industry across borders, fostering education, technical growth, and lifelong camaraderie.
They are more than just event organizers; they are mentors and industry icons. Deborah herself is a legendary floral artist who has participated in many design competitions! Their dedication ensures that every iteration of the Cup isn't just a contest, but an inspiring educational journey for everyone involved.
Over the decades, the Gateway Cup has served as a launchpad for artists who have gone on to become global icons, many of whom have gone on to represent their nations at the Interflora World Cup.
True to its nature as a roaming global event, the historical roster of champions features some of the finest names in the industry across various past host cities:
This year's competition at the FSFA Convention in Orlando brought together unprecedented global talent. After a grueling, multi-day design gauntlet, the top honors belonged to:
Competitors execute five vastly different, strictly timed design tasks under the watchful eyes of international judges.
The competitive lineup pushed designers to their absolute creative limits over two intense days:
The 2026 Gateway to the Americas Cup reminded us all that floral design is an elite discipline requiring structural engineering, deep botanical knowledge, and poetic vision.
As the global community celebrates the massive success of this year's convention alongside the FSFA, the anticipation for the next host city is already building. Where will the Cup travel next? Be sure to follow along on the official Gateway to the Americas Cup social media for the latest updates, official announcements, and behind-the-scenes looks as the plans for the next spectacular global event unfold.
We want to extend a massive thank you to Gus and Deborah De La Flor, the Florida State Florists' Association, and all of the brilliant competitors who poured their hearts and souls onto the design floor. More than just arranging flowers, they showed us the breathtaking magic that happens when human imagination blooms without limits!