Now in its 11^th year, the competition saw 14 countries go head-to-head before Pietras took home the winning title for the UK, followed by Australian born Mikael Grou and Vincent Morrow from California, USA in third place.

Impressing the panel of international judges, including head judge Bryan Julyan, chief executive of the Court of Master Sommeliers; Ronan Sayburn; Brian Dawes and Ron Wiegand, the final heat involved:  

Day One - a written paper, decanting wines, champagne pouring and blind wine tasting to shortlist the top three.

Day Two – (performed in public) a food and wine pairing, decanting, list correction, question and answer spirits tasting, blind wine tasting, and serving a magnum into 16 glasses with only one top up allowed per person.

Speaking of his win, Pietras said: “To win this competitive international final, with the top three performing in public against the clock, was an incredible experience – I am humbled and very proud.”

Philip Evins, Bailli Délégué for the UK, added: “We are all delighted that Piotr has taken the International title for the UK. His win was well deserved – he demonstrated real skill and empathy with his profession and we congratulate him on his success”.

Winning a Methusalem of Irvine Grand Merlot, Riedel decanter, Champagne sabre and a silver tray, head judge Julyan said: “This was battle to the finish!  And, it was well won.  Piotr gave an incredible performance and we salute him.

“The standard of this year’s contest was unequivocally the highest yet in the contest’s 11-year history, and the two days was immensely exciting”.