How Baltic Barber Expo 2026 Brought Global Barbering Stars to Riga

Last weekend, Riga once again became a meeting point for international professionals from the barbering and beauty industries as the capital hosted the third edition of the annual Baltic Barber Expo 2026. The event took place at Hanzas Perons, bringing together renowned barbers and recognised legends of the global barbering scene. Among the star-studded line-up were Andrea Magri (Italy), Nabil Bonu (Spain), Andrey Balu (Bulgaria), Duncan Bailey (the Netherlands), Charlie Venn (the UK) and other prominent industry figures.

The main stage was dedicated to exclusive shows and masterclasses, where some of the industry’s leading professionals shared their latest techniques, commercial approaches, working philosophies and insights into the trends set to shape the future of barbering.

The event’s packed programme featured not only masterclasses led by some of the biggest names in barbering, but also a competition to find the best barbers and hairstylists across two categories: “Fresh Blood”, for professionals with up to three years of experience, and “Advanced Barber”, for more experienced industry specialists.

To compete for the top spot in the Advanced Barber category, contestants had to complete three haircuts: a Speed Fade, a Classic Scissors Haircut and a Freestyle cut. The winners were Camilo Aguilar (Lithuania) in first place, Alexis Santana (Lithuania) in second, and Gediminas Kuica (Lithuania) in third.

The jury also selected winners in individual categories. Gediminas Kuica (Lithuania) took the title for Best Classic Scissors Haircut, while Vitalina Lubane (Latvia) won the Freestyle category. Kipras Morkunas was named the winner of the Speed Fade category.

For emerging barbers competing in the Fresh Blood category, the challenge consisted of two cuts: a Classic Scissors Haircut and a Freestyle. The top three places went to Arnas Misiukas (Lithuania) in first place, Sandra Lukauskaite (Lithuania) in second, and Daria Molchanova (Latvia) in third.

The winner of each category received a €1,000 cash prize, gifts from sponsors, and the prestigious “Best Barber 2026” title awarded by BBF, along with a distinctive 10-kilogram aluminium trophy.

The judging panel brought together international industry experts from the United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, Bulgaria and the Netherlands, adding an international dimension to an event that continues to strengthen Riga’s position on the global barbering map.