Dubai – Qahwa World
Jane Espante of the United Arab Emirates has been named the 2026 Cezve/Ibrik Champion following the conclusion of competition in Dubai. The title was officially revealed on January 20, 2026, during a live ceremony on the World of Coffee Dubai stage, launching the 2026 World Coffee Championships season.
The championship took place from January 18 to 20, 2026, as part of the Dubai World Coffee Championships, where finalists demonstrated mastery of one of coffee’s most historic brewing methods. Espante secured first place after a strong final-round performance, earning top honors in the opening championship event of the year.
Held during the largest-ever edition of World of Coffee Dubai, the Cezve/Ibrik Championship highlights a brewing tradition that spans centuries. Using the traditional cezve—also called an ibrik—competitors draw from techniques rooted in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa, blending precision, sensory quality, and cultural storytelling in their routines.
World of Coffee Dubai is produced by DXB Live in collaboration with the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA). The event continues to grow as a major international gathering for specialty coffee professionals, reflecting the Middle East’s expanding influence within the global coffee sector. Hosting the championship in Dubai underscores the city’s connection to coffee heritage while reinforcing its role as a center for innovation, trade, and cultural exchange.
Khalid Al Mulla, National Coordinator of the UAE Coffee Championships, praised the competitors, noting that the event showcases the craftsmanship and cultural depth behind cezve coffee. He highlighted the dedication and respect for tradition demonstrated throughout the competition and congratulated the winners for preserving this historic brewing style.
Final Results – 2026 Cezve/Ibrik Championship
1st Place: Jane Espante (United Arab Emirates)
2nd Place: Angel Kotsifakis (Greece)
3rd Place: Wael Hachem (France)
The Dubai World Coffee Championships continue to support the broader mission of the World Coffee Championships by fostering collaboration, education, and innovation, while offering coffee professionals a global platform to share their skills and inspire future leaders in the industry.
Complete rankings and full performance replays are available through official World Coffee Championships media channels.
