Source: Press Release – Nuova Simonelli |
Author: Qahwa World |
Date: June 19, 2026

Nuova Simonelli Technicians Competition: The Strength of a Community Driving Service Excellence

Key Takeaways:

The Nuova Simonelli Technicians Competition is the only global event exclusively dedicated to coffee technicians, bringing together top professionals to share expertise and knowledge.
Gold medal winner in London: Alex Sacco (Modern Standard Service). Dubai edition winner: Mohamed Yahya (BOON Coffee).
The competition reflects Nuova Simonelli’s philosophy of building meaningful connections among professionals while fostering continuous and collaborative learning.
The competition returns to Paris on September 12–13, 2026, for the fifth consecutive year to crown the Best Technician in France.
Nuova Simonelli collaborates with partners such as Cafetto, REPA, Jaguar Espresso Systems, BWT, and SCA UAE to create an integrated ecosystem supporting excellence.
The competition is not just an event but a future-focused project to elevate the technician’s role as increasingly central and valued across the coffee industry.

In the world of professional coffee, excellence is measured not only by the quality of extraction but also—and above all—by the expertise of the people working behind the scenes every day: technicians. With this vision in mind, the Nuova Simonelli Technicians Competition was created and continues to grow as an event that goes far beyond a simple contest, becoming a true opportunity for connection, training, and knowledge sharing for the entire service community.

The recent editions in London and Dubai confirmed how central this project has become within Nuova Simonelli’s vision: recognizing and celebrating technicians as the driving force of the coffee ecosystem.

One Global Community, One Shared Goal

The Nuova Simonelli Technicians Competition has established itself internationally as the only event dedicated exclusively to coffee technicians, attracting highly skilled professionals united by the same passion: continuously improving their expertise and helping raise industry standards. The gold medal at the London competition was awarded to Alex Sacco (Modern Standard Service), while the second edition of the Nuova Simonelli Technicians Competition Dubai was won by Mohamed Yahya (BOON Coffee).

More than a competition, what truly distinguished both editions was the strong community-oriented spirit. The eight technicians and engineers, selected through a preliminary test and coming from diverse professional backgrounds, shared experiences, practical advice, and best practices, transforming every challenge into an opportunity for mutual growth. This approach perfectly reflects Nuova Simonelli’s philosophy: building meaningful connections among professionals while fostering continuous and collaborative learning.

Return to Paris: The Fifth Edition at the Paris Coffee Show

The Nuova Simonelli Technicians Competition returns to Paris during the Paris Coffee Show on September 12–13, 2026. Eight technicians will compete for the fifth consecutive year for the title of Best Technician in France. This reaffirms Nuova Simonelli’s ongoing commitment to supporting the service community and recognizing the vital role of technicians in the coffee industry.

Edition	Winner	Company
London	Alex Sacco	Modern Standard Service
Dubai	Mohamed Yahya	BOON Coffee
Paris (September 2026)	TBD	–

Nuova Simonelli’s Commitment to the Service Community

The Nuova Simonelli Technicians Competition is just one of the many initiatives through which Nuova Simonelli invests in the service sector. The brand has always recognized the strategic role technicians play, not only in machine maintenance but also in shaping the final customer experience. For this reason, Nuova Simonelli is committed to supporting the sharing of technical know-how while also promoting and rewarding emerging talent.

An Ecosystem Built Together

The success of the Nuova Simonelli Technicians Competition is also made possible through the collaboration of partners who share the same values of quality and innovation. Sponsors of the two editions included leading companies in the industry such as Cafetto (cleaning solutions), REPA and Jaguar Espresso Systems (spare parts), BWT (water treatment), and SCA UAE and Area 51, supporting coffee culture and professional development. These partnerships help create a strong ecosystem in which every element, from the machine itself to maintenance and technical support, is designed to ensure outstanding performance.

Beyond the Competition: Building the Future of Service

The Nuova Simonelli Technicians Competition is not just an event; it is a project focused on the future. A future in which the technician’s role becomes increasingly central, recognized, and valued throughout the coffee industry. Because behind every great espresso, there is always a great technician. And Nuova Simonelli is proud to stand by their side, every day.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Nuova Simonelli Technicians Competition

Q: What is the Nuova Simonelli Technicians Competition?

A: An annual international competition exclusively for coffee technicians, aimed at promoting excellence in service, knowledge sharing, and building a strong professional community around coffee equipment maintenance.

Q: Who won the recent editions?

A: Alex Sacco (Modern Standard Service) won in London, and Mohamed Yahya (BOON Coffee) won in Dubai.

Q: When and where is the next edition?

A: The next edition will take place in Paris on September 12–13, 2026, during the Paris Coffee Show.

Q: Who are the competition sponsors?

A: Sponsors include Cafetto (cleaning solutions), REPA and Jaguar Espresso Systems (spare parts), BWT (water treatment), and SCA UAE and Area 51.

Q: What is the main goal of the competition?

A: To recognize the critical role of technicians in the coffee industry, provide a platform for knowledge exchange, train emerging talent, and raise service standards across the sector.

The Nuova Simonelli Technicians Competition is more than a technical contest. It is a celebration of expertise, craftsmanship, and collaboration. In the coffee industry, every exceptional cup is the result of a team effort, and technicians are the unsung heroes who ensure consistent, flawless performance. As this initiative continues to grow, Nuova Simonelli remains committed to supporting and empowering the service community that is fundamental to the industry’s success.

Stay up-to-date with events and news from Nuova Simonelli on Instagram: @nuovasimonelliofficial

Prepared and edited by: Qahwa World – Based on a press release from Nuova Simonelli.

Publication date: June 19, 2026

Author: Qahwa World – Dubai
Source: Industry announcement
Date: May 14, 2026

Executive Summary

The Nuova Simonelli Technicians Competition is back after its first edition in France
The 2026 edition expands to new international stages in Paris, London, and the Middle East
The competition begins with an online technical quiz that selects 8 finalists
Finalists then face hands-on practical challenges on espresso machines
Judges evaluate speed, precision, machine knowledge, and safety practices
The event celebrates technicians who work behind the scenes in the coffee industry

The Nuova Simonelli Technicians Competition is returning in 2026. After its first edition in France, the event is now expanding to new international markets including Paris, London, and the Middle East.

The competition focuses on espresso machine technicians. These professionals typically work behind the scenes. Yet they play a vital role in coffee quality, equipment reliability, and cafe performance.

Origins of the competition

The competition first launched in France. Organizers created it to showcase the skills, experience, and professionalism of coffee machine technicians. These workers often remain unseen by customers. Nevertheless, they maintain the equipment that baristas rely on every day.

Nuova Simonelli, the Italian espresso machine manufacturer, organizes the event. The company aims to highlight the strategic importance of technicians in delivering quality service and reliable products.

What sets this competition apart

The Nuova Simonelli Technicians Competition stands out for its hands-on, practical approach. It tests real-world skills that technicians use daily.

The competition begins with an online technical quiz. From this stage, organizers select eight technicians who qualify for the final round.

In the final stage, participants face practical challenges on espresso machines. These include simulated malfunctions, adjustments, and real technical interventions. The tasks mirror everyday work scenarios in coffee shops and service centers.

Speed, precision, machine knowledge, and operational efficiency all go under evaluation. Technical judges assess performance based on workplace safety, organization, technical expertise, and the ability to maintain excellent coffee quality.

Expansion to new markets in 2026

In the coming weeks, the competition will launch new international stages. The confirmed locations include Paris, London, and the Middle East.

This expansion confirms the global nature of the initiative. Nuova Simonelli aims to create real opportunities for exchange, professional growth, and knowledge sharing across key international markets.

Industry context: Coffee machine technicians play a critical role across the entire supply chain. Their work ensures operational continuity, consistent quality, and customer satisfaction in cafes worldwide.

Celebrating the technicians

Through this initiative, Nuova Simonelli celebrates the crucial role technicians play. They provide baristas with reliable, high-performing, and long-lasting equipment. Their work supports operational continuity, consistent quality, and end-customer satisfaction.

The event is more than just a competition. Organizers describe it as a platform for training, networking, and showcasing technical expertise.

How to participate

Technicians ready to join the next editions of the competition can apply through dedicated registration pages. Separate application links are available for the Dubai and United Kingdom editions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Nuova Simonelli Technicians Competition?
It is an international competition for espresso machine technicians. Participants demonstrate their skills in diagnosing and repairing coffee equipment under timed conditions.

Where will the competition take place in 2026?
The competition will take place in Paris, London, and the Middle East. Specific venues and dates are available through the official registration pages.

How does the competition work?
Participants first complete an online technical quiz. The top eight scorers advance to a final round of hands-on practical challenges on espresso machines.

What skills are tested?
Judges evaluate speed, precision, machine knowledge, operational efficiency, workplace safety, organization, and the ability to maintain coffee quality.

Who can participate?
The competition is open to espresso machine technicians. Interested candidates should apply through the official registration pages for their region.

Why is this competition important?
Technicians play a crucial but often invisible role in the coffee industry. They ensure equipment remains reliable and performs well, which directly affects coffee quality and customer satisfaction.

Author: Qahwa World – Dubai
Source: Industry announcement
Date: May 14, 2026

Tag: technicians competition