UKSA’s Maria Boumpa Takes 8th Place in the World at ASI Best Sommelier of the World 2026
The United Kingdom Sommelier Academy (UKSA) is bursting with pride as we celebrate a historic milestone for British sommellerie. Last week, at the prestigious ASI Best Sommelier of the World 2026 championship in Lisbon, Portugal, UK candidate Maria Boumpa delivered an astonishing performance, securing 8th place in the world!
Competing against a formidable field of 66 national champions from across the globe, Maria’s journey to the top 8 represents not only a brilliant individual triumph but also a watershed moment for our national academy and the broader wine community.
Making History in Lisbon
Organised by the Association de la Sommellerie Internationale (ASI) and hosted by the Associação dos Escanções de Portugal (AEP), the 18th edition of the competition returned to Lisbon for the first time since 1978.
The grueling week tested the world’s elite wine professionals through comprehensive theoretical examinations, rigorous blind tastings, and intense practical service scenarios. Following two days of high-pressure quarter-finals, Maria advanced into the top 20 semi-finalists.
Maria’s advancement carried significant historic weight:
First Female Representative for the UK: Maria made history as the very first female sommelier chosen to represent the United Kingdom on the world championship stage.
A Landmark Year for Women in Wine: The 2026 Lisbon competition marked a historic milestone for ASI, with a record 5 female sommeliers reaching the semi-finals for the first time in the history of the World Championship.
Outperforming Continental Champions: In finishing 8th overall, Maria placed ahead of the reigning ASI Best Sommeliers of the Americas, Europe, and Asia-Pacific.
Global Competition & Final Results
The competition culminated in a thrilling public final at Lisbon’s iconic Coliseu dos Recreios. Following an intense final round between the top three candidates, Nikolai Haram Svorte of Norway was crowned the ASI Best Sommelier of the World 2026, with Pascaline Lepeltier (France) finishing as runner-up and Wataru Iwata (Japan) taking second runner-up.
We extend our warmest congratulations to Nikolai and all 66 extraordinary candidates who showcased world-class hospitality and expertise in Lisbon.
A Message from UKSA President Nicolas Clerc MS
Reflecting on Maria's outstanding achievement, UKSA President Nicolas Clerc MS shared a heartfelt tribute:
"Maria, we could not be prouder of you.
On behalf of all the members, partners and the Board of the United Kingdom Sommelier Academy (UKSA), a huge and heartfelt congratulations to Maria Boumpa for representing the UK and finishing 8th in the Best Sommelier of the World competition in Lisbon.
Maria, we know how much hard work, dedication and sacrifice goes into a journey like this. To see you stand alongside the world's very best sommeliers and represent our country with such passion means a great deal to all of us.
Beyond the result, we are proud of the person you are, the commitment you show to our profession, and the example you set for the next generation of sommeliers.
Thank you for carrying the UK flag with you on this incredible journey. We hope you take a moment to appreciate everything you have achieved — you have every reason to be proud, just as we are proud of you.
Best Wishes,
Nicolas Clerc MS
President"