Winning once is an achievement. Winning twice is a statement.
After first claiming the title in 2024, Frédéric Dehm has once again been crowned Nuova Simonelli Technicians Competition France Champion 2026, proving that excellence is not a destination, but a continuous journey of learning, dedication, and passion.
“When I realized I had won for the second time, I felt a mix of emotion, relief, and pride. It was a powerful moment and a great reward for all the work and preparation behind the competition.”
Always Ready for the Next Challenge
For many technicians, a first victory could mark the culmination of a journey. For Frédéric, it became the motivation to push even further.
“After my victory in 2024, I simply thought: why not take on the challenge again? I wanted to test myself, see how much I had grown over the past two years, and experience the competition once more. It was also a way to step outside my comfort zone and continue improving.”
Never Stop Learning
Since 2024, continuous training and a passion for learning have helped Frédéric expand his expertise in coffee, technology, and equipment innovation.
“Our profession is constantly evolving. Staying curious and continuing to learn is essential if you want to grow as a technician.”
That mindset proved crucial in overcoming one of the toughest challenges of this year’s competition: managing pressure. “Surprisingly, competing for a second title brought even more stress than the first” – Frédéric said. Determined to live up to his previous success, Frédéric focused on each task individually, trusting his preparation and experience to guide him through every challenge.
More Than a Competition
Beyond technical skills, the Nuova SimonelliTechnicians Competition is about exchanging knowledge and building connections within the coffee community.
One of the most valuable lessons Frédéric took away from this year’s event was discovering how different approaches and working methods can lead to the same outstanding result.
“What I remember most is that we all have our own ways of working, our own methods and habits, yet we can still achieve the same result. Exchanging ideas with other participants helps you discover new approaches and challenges your own way of doing things. That’s something I try to keep in mind every day.”
Looking Ahead
His advice for technicians considering future editions is simple: take the leap.
“Taking part in this competition is already an incredible experience, both personally and professionally. It is a real challenge that pushes you to grow, question yourself, and, above all, learn from other participants and the people around you. Regardless of the final result, the experience is incredibly rewarding.”
And what’s next for a two-time champion?
“Why not the World Championship?”
An ambitious goal, certainly. But true to his spirit, Frédéric remains focused on continuous improvement and sharing knowledge with the technician community.
Because in coffee, as in life, learning and teaching go hand in hand.
Congratulations, Frédéric! Thank you for inspiring the entire Nuova Simonelli community with your passion, commitment, and dedication to excellence. We can’t wait to see what challenge you’ll conquer next.
