Tag: Jane Espante

Frederick Adam Rubin Crowned Best Barista in the UAE 2026

Posted on by Qahwa World

Dubai – Qahwa World

Frederick Adam Rubin from Benchmark Coffee has been named the Best Barista in the United Arab Emirates, following a highly competitive national championship held as part of World of Coffee Dubai 2026. The fifth edition of the exhibition concluded yesterday at the Dubai World Trade Centre, attracting more than 20,000 visitors from over 80 countries.

Rubin’s victory came after a rigorous evaluation process assessing espresso preparation, milk-based beverages, and signature drinks. Nooran Albannay of Coffee Architecture secured second place, while Serkan Sagsoz of Julith Coffee claimed third place.

The UAE National Barista Championship is part of a series of competitions held during the exhibition, which also included the UAE Latte Art Championship, the UAE Roasting Championship, and the international Cezve/Ibrik World Championship. These competitions recognize technical excellence, creativity, and consistency in specialty coffee preparation.

World of Coffee Dubai 2026 also celebrated innovation and design through awards such as Best New Product, won by Sage, and the Coffee Design Award, won by Coffee Market Innovations. In addition, the event hosted three live coffee auctions, setting new price benchmarks and showcasing the diversity of coffee origins available on the global market.

Adam Rubin’s achievement highlights the growing talent within the UAE’s specialty coffee sector and underscores Dubai’s position as a hub for professional excellence, innovation, and trade in the global coffee industry.

Jane Espante: Cezve Is a Trust and Winning a Responsibility

Posted on by Qahwa World

Dubai – Ali Al zakary

Fresh from being crowned 2026 World Cezve/Ibrik Champion, Jane Espante spoke to Qahwa World in her first interview following the historic win. The championship, the first World Coffee Championship of the year, was held as part of World of Coffee Dubai.

Representing the United Arab Emirates, Espante claimed the title after a strong final-round performance in a competition hosted in Dubai for the first time in its history. Her victory reaffirmed that one of coffee’s oldest brewing methods remains fully capable of expressing the present and shaping the future—when approached with respect and authenticity.

Asked what winning the 2026 World Cezve/Ibrik Championship meant to her, Espante’s answer was clear and direct.
“It means trust,” she said, explaining that cezve is the oldest coffee brewing method and one that shaped the coffee culture we know today—from brewing techniques to the idea of gathering around a shared cup. “Holding this title is a great honor because it allows me to respect this heritage and continue carrying it forward. This win confirmed to me that patience and sincere intention still matter in today’s coffee world.”

Reflecting on the moment her name was announced, Espante described the feeling as surreal. “I thought about the hours of training, the mistakes, and everyone who believed in me and supported me. My team gave their time, effort, and dedication to reach this moment. This win is for them.”

Jane Espante to Qahwa World: Cezve Is a Trust and Winning a Responsibility

On balancing tradition with her own creative identity, Espante said she viewed tradition as a foundation rather than a limitation. “I stayed true to the core techniques, then expressed my story through flavor, pacing, and presentation—without compromising the soul of cezve coffee.”

Speaking about representing the UAE and winning on home ground in Dubai, she said the moment was deeply meaningful. “The UAE gave me the space to grow, learn, and dream bigger. Winning here feels like giving something back to the place that shaped my professional journey.”

As for the impact of the title on her future, Espante emphasized the responsibility that comes with it. “I want to teach more, share knowledge, and show that traditional coffee is not just part of the past—it has a real place in the future of the industry.”

She concluded with a message to future competitors: “Respect the craft, but don’t erase yourself. Learn the rules deeply, then let your story guide how you present them. Honesty is always felt in the cup.”

Jane Espante Crowned 2026 World Cezve/Ibrik Champion in Dubai

Posted on by Qahwa World

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.