Pearson Names Certiport 2026 Adobe Certified Professional World Champion

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Pearson (NYSE:PSO) announced the winners of the 13th annual Certiport 2026 Adobe Certified Professional World Championship, held in Anaheim, California, featuring 56 finalists from 27 countries. Competitors aged 13–22 qualified by earning Adobe Certified Professional certifications in Photoshop, Illustrator, or InDesign and winning national contests.

The top three winners were Lulu Emanuele (USA), Furtini Baldesin (Brazil), and Muhammad Fawwaz Haiqal Bin Mohd Fuaad (Malaysia), followed by finalists from Malaysia, Vietnam, the Dominican Republic, Peru, Lebanon, Taiwan, and the Philippines. Pearson highlights that Adobe Certified Professional credentials offer globally recognized proof of digital media and design skills, and cites Adobe research indicating that 75% of hiring managers view certifications as a signal of high-quality creative candidates.

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HOBOKEN, N.J., July 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Pearson (FTSE: PSON.L) announced the winners of the annual Certiport 2026 Adobe Certified Professional World Championship, now in its 13^th year. The Adobe Certified Professional World Championship is a global competition where students from around the world showcase professional-level design and creative skills as they compete for the world championship title.

Hosted in Anaheim, CA, this year's event drew 56 finalists from 27 countries. To secure a place at the World Championship, competitors (ages 13 to 22) earned an Adobe Certified Professional certification in Photoshop, Illustrator, or InDesign and won their respective country competitions.

The global competition provides students with opportunities to apply their technical and creative skills in a real-world scenario, preparing them for careers in a world shaped by artificial intelligence and technological innovation.

The winners:

• First: Lulu Emanuele, USA
• Second: Furtini Baldesin, Brazil
• Third: Muhammad Fawwaz Haiqal Bin Mohd Fuaad, Malaysia
• Fourth: Muhammad Nafiz Asyraaf Bin Mohd Nazrin, Malaysia
• Fifth: Ho Nhat Anh, Vietnam
• Sixth: Francis Joan Guerra de los Angeles, Dominican Republic
• Seventh: Gabriela Castro, Peru
• Eighth: Mounir Al Achi Chbib, Lebanon
• Ninth: Huang Jo Hsuan, Taiwan
• Tenth: Dan Amiel V. Salvador, Philippines

Why it matters: "For employers, professional certifications provide a trusted measure of skill level and capability, and these young people are already proving they can deliver. Achieving an Adobe certification early in life gives them an advantage; it shows their dedication and initiative while validating their creative, technical, and problem-solving skills," said Arthur Valentine, President of Assessment and Qualifications at Pearson. "Pearson is proud to support their progress and recognize the remarkable talent they bring to the design industry. Earning an Adobe certification and excelling in this event can be an important first step toward a promising career." 

The big picture: The Adobe Certified Professional credential is highly valued in the digital media and design industry. According to the Adobe Seeking Creative Candidates: Hiring for the Future report, 75% of hiring managers assert that certifications signal high-quality candidates for creative jobs.  It serves as objective, globally recognized proof of software and design capabilities, helping people students align their creative passion and professional hiring requirements. Learn more about the Adobe Certified Professional World Championship here.

Related Pearson News  

• The Certification Imperative: Empowering Young People to Bridge the Skills Gap
• Employers Use IT Certification to Close High Risk Skills Gaps and Gain Competitive Advantage, Pearson Study Finds
• New Pearson and AWS Global research: 53% of Employers Struggle to Find AI-Ready Graduates 

About Pearson 

At Pearson, our purpose is simple: to help people realize the life they imagine through learning. We believe that every learning opportunity is a chance for a personal breakthrough. That's why our c. 18,000 Pearson employees are committed to creating vibrant and enriching learning experiences designed for real-life impact. We are the world's lifelong learning company, serving customers in nearly 200 countries with digital content, assessments, qualifications, and data. For us, learning isn't just what we do. It's who we are. Visit us at plc.pearson.com.    

Media Contacts  

Greg.Forbes@pearson.com

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SOURCE Pearson

FAQ

What is the Certiport 2026 Adobe Certified Professional World Championship hosted by Pearson (PSO)?

The Certiport 2026 Adobe Certified Professional World Championship is a global design competition for students aged 13–22. According to Pearson, 56 finalists from 27 countries competed in Anaheim, showcasing professional-level skills in Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, or InDesign.

Who won the 2026 Adobe Certified Professional World Championship sponsored by Pearson (PSO)?

The 2026 champion is Lulu Emanuele from the USA, with Furtini Baldesin of Brazil second and Muhammad Fawwaz Haiqal Bin Mohd Fuaad of Malaysia third. According to Pearson, the top ten also included finalists from Malaysia, Vietnam, the Dominican Republic, Peru, Lebanon, Taiwan, and the Philippines.

How do students qualify for the 2026 Adobe Certified Professional World Championship run by Pearson (PSO)?

To qualify, students must earn an Adobe Certified Professional certification in Photoshop, Illustrator, or InDesign and win their country-level competition. According to Pearson, successful competitors are aged 13–22 and then advance to the global finals in Anaheim.

Why does Pearson say Adobe Certified Professional certification matters for creative careers (PSO)?

Adobe Certified Professional credentials matter because they provide objective, globally recognized proof of creative software and design skills. According to Pearson, Adobe research shows 75% of hiring managers believe certifications indicate high-quality candidates for creative jobs, supporting early career development.

What skills does the Adobe Certified Professional World Championship develop, according to Pearson (PSO)?

The championship develops technical Adobe software skills, creativity, and problem-solving in real-world design scenarios. According to Pearson, the event helps prepare students for careers in a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence and technological innovation, enhancing their employability.

Where was the 2026 Adobe Certified Professional World Championship held and how many competed (PSO)?

The 2026 competition took place in Anaheim, California, bringing together 56 finalists from 27 countries. According to Pearson, all participants had already earned Adobe Certified Professional credentials and won their national contests to reach this global stage.