Lisbon, Portugal (16 October 2026) — Nikolai Haram Svorte from Norway has been crowned ASI Best Sommelier of the World 2026 at Coliseu dos Recreios in Lisbon. The final marked the competitive culmination of an eventful week that brought 66 candidates to Portugal and returned the contest to Lisbon for the first time since 1978.
Organised by the Association de la Sommellerie Internationale (ASI) and hosted by the Associação dos Escanções de Portugal (AEP), the contest began with quarterfinals on 12–13 October, followed by the semi-finals on 15 October and hard fought final on 16 October in the iconic Coliseu dos Recreios in central Lisbon. A performance that brought the world of sommelier expertise to the forefront, raising the profile of the profession and attracting more than 600 visitors to the theatre. 3000 viewers from all overt he world watched the final via livestream on ASI YOUTUBE CHANNEL.
The final three
The three finalists were Nikolai Haram Svorte from Norway, Pascaline Lepeltier from France and Wataru Iwata from Japan. The finalists tasted wines and spirits blind, served in bar and restaurant scenarios, suggested food and wine pairings and corrected a wine list sprinkled with errors, all under the eyes of the jury. Then came the moment no one could rehearse: a top secret challenge, unveiled only on the day all under the pressure of a theatre audience.
Final results
ASI Best Sommelier of the World 2026: Nikolai Haram Svorte from Norway
Runner-up: Pascaline Lepeltier from France
Second runner-up: Wataru Iwata from Japan
“Returning to Lisbon after nearly half a century reminds us how far our profession has evolved. We congratulate Nikolai Haram Svorte on this brilliant achievement and thank all 66 candidates for their passion, commitment and dedication. While there is only one candidate that wins the title, all 66 who qualified to compete, are an inspiration to sommeliers around the world,” said Olivier Poussier, co-director of ASI Sommeliers Contests Committee and ASI Best Sommelier of the World 2000.
“The suspense in the theatre was palpable. You could feel the tension in every spectator. Then the winner was announced, and we are delighted that Nikolai Haram Svorte has been crowned ASI BestSommelier of the World. This is an exceptional individual triumph. But in addition this week belongs to many. To our Portuguese host association AEP and the local sommelier community. To the 80 volunteers who gave their time and their hearts. To ASI, its committee members and volunteer sommeliers, to our partners and to every guest who attended the final. Together we created unforgettable moments. That shared experience is the true meaning of this contest,” explained Piotr Kamecki, ASI Vice-President for Europe who he himself will be organising the next ASI Best Sommelier of Europe 2027 in Poland.
Lisbon has crowned an ASI world champion, and the road to the next contest has already begun. In May 2027, Africa & Middle East will hold its own continental competition for the very first time. In September2027, Poland welcomes the ASI Best Sommelier of Europe Contest. In 2028, two more continental contest follow: the ASI Best Sommelier of the Americas and the ASI Best Sommelier of Asia & Pacific. Four contests, four continents, one community of ASI sommeliers traveling around the globe.
