Definition: Basso Paolo

Paolo Basso (1966) was the overwhelming favourite among 57 candidates from 54 countries. He had won every title possible and finished second in 2010, just behind Gérard Basset. Well versed in international competitions, he was ready for the challenge. With a flawless, perfectly oiled and prepared performance, he did not stumble in any of the tests, unlike his two other competitors. At 46, he was finally crowned. Switzerland has its champion.

As for Véronique Rivest (1964), originally from Quebec, she was a formidable candidate, also experienced and very sharp. Never before has a woman come so close to winning the supreme title. Congratulations to Véronique, the first woman to reach the final, who fought hard and put pressure on her competitors by finishing second in the 2013 edition.

Aristide Spies (1982), the Belgian finalist and youngest contestant at 31, did not disappoint, coming in third place, but the experience of a competition of this level will undoubtedly be valuable for the next title, if he decides to compete again, which we have no doubt he will.

Among the final tests was a brand new one: recognising wine personalities from 15 photos. Not easy at all! Held in the huge theatre of the Tokyo International Forum, the final was meticulously staged by the organisers, who gave it a dramatic twist, challenging the contestants' skills with traps, red herrings and surprises throughout six tests.

Each competitor had twelve minutes to recognise four wines. While there were some "classics", such as a Beaune Les Aigrots 1er Cru (Burgundy), the jury had also selected Indian wines, such as Sula Chenin Blanc, and Israeli wines, such as Yarden Galilee Pinot Noir.

Even more challenging, the finalists had to identify six liqueurs and spirits in a total of three minutes, or at least describe their composition. Among the liqueurs tested were a Japanese tomato liqueur, a Mexican hibiscus flower liqueur and a rum liqueur from Estonia...

Paulo Basso shone. Before starting his final, he greeted the audience in three languages, including Japanese, to appeal to the local spectators. His mastery of languages gave him a considerable advantage. Originally from Italian-speaking Switzerland, he gave his presentation in perfect French. Paolo Basso's victory came as no surprise. Well prepared and experienced in finals, he was one of the favourites. Although he is not very warm and friendly, and although he is unlikely to be a very media-friendly World's Best Sommelier, his seriousness and technique enabled him to win by a clear margin.

For Olivier Poussier, World's Best Sommelier in 2000 and member of the technical jury, Basso's victory is indisputable: "He showed great professionalism, and his impressive experience paid off. He won a high-level final without a single mistake."

After much suspense, Paolo Basso became the fourteenth winner of this competition, which was created in 1969. He succeeds Gérard Basset, the French candidate representing England, Master of Wine and winner of the 2010 competition.