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.

Winners of the Adobe Certified Professional World Championship: First Place (center), Second Place (right), and Third Place (left).

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.

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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