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 Sommelerie 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 over the 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 Best Sommelier 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 of 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 September 2027, 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.