Students scoop top European prize

A team of five students from Edge Hotel School have been crowned European champions after winning a prestigious competition involving the best hospitality management schools from across Europe.

Judges described the Edge Hotel School team as “incredible” as they were crowned EMCup champions on their very first attempt.

The students were awarded the coveted EMCup after a gruelling two-day competition in Maastricht which tested their innovation, teamwork and business knowledge.

Competition judge and Director of BWH Hotels Stefan Dubbeling said: “To walk in as first-time competitors and walk out as champions, it’s incredible.”

The team was coached by lecturer Alexander Horswill. He said: “The students worked tirelessly, supporting each other every step of the way. Their determination, creativity, and professionalism were second to none.

“Winning the EMCup on our first attempt is a testament to their talent and the incredible education they receive at Edge.”

The team competed against students from Europe’s top hospitality schools in the annual competition, which encourages students to think outside the box by proposing real-life scenarios that they respond to.

In the final Dragon’s Den-style task, the Essex team had to present a solution to a blind case study – a Dutch hotel that wanted to improve staff retention. Speaking after their win, all four Dragon judges said they would have invested in the Edge team’s suggested nature spaces and breakrooms for staff to relax in.

Speaking about the experience, final-year Hotel Management student Emma Sharma said: “Taking part in EMCup was a transformative experience that pushed me beyond my limits and showed me the true power of teamwork and resilience.

“I joined to challenge myself and grow, but I walked away with so much more - confidence, new skills, and unforgettable memories.

“To future students: seize this opportunity, step out of your comfort zone, trust that the journey will shape you in ways you never imagined!”

Final-year Hotel Management student Megan Ellis-Smith added: “The EM Cup was truly an unforgettable experience that has helped my personal and professional growth through the challenge of stepping out of my comfort zone in the multiple tasks, pitches and Dragons’ Den.”

Edge Hotel School opened at the University of Essex 12 years ago and has 210 students studying across a range of BA and Masters courses.

Speaking about the students’ success, Adrian Martin, Deputy Head of the School, said: “This unexpected triumph is not only a monumental achievement for the School, but also signals a bright future for our students who are already in great demand.

“No one has ever won on their first attempt and the staff and students here are so very proud.”

The praise from the judging panel was amazingly positive. Judge Stan van Gompel said: “The University of Essex - Edge Hotel School has truly set a remarkable example by winning the EMCup 2025 with their idea to enhance the well-being of employees in the hospitality industry.

“Their forward-thinking approach not only addresses the immediate needs of the workforce but also paves the way for a healthier and more productive work environment.

“The University of Essex's victory in the EMCup 2025 is well-deserved, and their project serves as an inspiration for other institutions and organizations to prioritize the well-being of their employees. Congratulations to the team for their outstanding achievement and for setting a new standard in the hospitality industry.”

Fellow judge Johan van Vugt said: “The team of Edge Hotel School showed very strong pitches and presentations throughout the competition and were able to improve these based on the feedback they received.

“In addition, although the theme of this year was quite complex, they were able to limit their scope on this challenge and really adhere to their own slogan, “Simplicity is Key”, by presenting a solution that is easy to implement, is good for the environment and has a true positive impact on the wellbeing of employees.”