United Arab Emirates representative Jane Espante has been named the 2026 Cezve/Ibrik World Champion with her victory at World of Coffee Dubai.
The Cezve/Ibrik Championship celebrates one of the world’s oldest known coffee brewing methods. The cezve, which is also known as the ibrik, is a traditional brewing vessel used across Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa.
Jane defeated Greece’s Angel Kotifakis and France’s Waël Hachem in the final.
National Coordinator of the UAE Coffee Championships, Khalid Al Mulla, offered his congratulations to Jane and the other competitors.
“The Cezve/Ibrik Championship is a powerful celebration of coffee’s deep cultural roots and craftsmanship. The level of passion, skill, and respect for tradition shown by the competitors is truly inspiring,” says Khalid.
“Congratulations to all the winners for honouring one of the oldest and most meaningful expressions of coffee culture.”
The Cezve/Ibrik Championship marks the commencement of the 2026 World Coffee Championships season, which includes events all over the world.
While no Australian representative was present at the competition in World of Coffee Dubai, there will once again be strong representation on the world stage.
Gabrel Tan will be representing Australia at the World Barista Championships in Panama City in October, while Amy Zhang will head to San Diego to take part in the World Latte Art Championships in April
Brewers Cup Champion Simon Gautherin will head to Brussels for the Worlds in June alongside Coffee in Good Spirits Champion Serene Yu and Roasters Champion Danny Andrade.
Karl Lee will represent Australia at the World Cup Tasters Championship in Bangkok in May.
