From the Quarter Final of 66 candidates to the Final of 3

At the Quarter Finals, over 2 days candidates from 66 countries competed to gain one of the 20 positions in the Semi-Final. The tasks included a 70 questions Theory Exam, Blind Tasting of 4 wines and 2 beverages, Practical Service and Problem-solving Scenario Question.

Andrea Martinisi wait to start Quarter Final Exam.

Paolo Saccone of Australia, prepares for Quarter Final Exam.

Here are the wines and beverages - this was disclosed to the audience that the Final.

Semi Finals

Wataru Iwata from Japan evalutes beverages in the Semi-Final. Wataru would later be ranked 3rd Best Sommelier of the World 2026.

Pascaline Lepeltier from France listens to instructions from the Judges. Pascaline would later be ranked 2nd Best Sommelier of the World 2026.

Final

Blind Wine Identification Task

The Winners

Nikolai Haram Svorte from Norway, ASI Best Sommelier of the World 2026.  

Runner-up: Pascaline Lepeltier from France

Second runner-up: Wataru Iwata from Japan

Learn more about ASI Association of Sommeliers International.