Published on: 2026-09-13
Source: Moscow Government – Правительства Москвы –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
“Moscow Masters” is an annual citywide competition for those who make the capital better every day. Rescuers, engineers, public transport drivers, medical workers, specialists from socially oriented non-profit organizations, and other representatives of 40 in-demand professions compete for the title of the best.
“The ‘Moscow Masters’ contest is a true celebration of labor and talent. Behind each award-winning place lies a long journey, a sincere love for one’s profession, and a desire to make our city better, more comfortable, and safer. We are proud of our masters, as they are the main wealth of the capital and inspire new generations of professionals. The contest holds great importance for the city’s development: it elevates the prestige of specialized professions and motivates employees to continuous growth, as well as becoming a real springboard for young professionals, opening the way to great achievements and helping to realize their potential in the capital,” she noted.
Ekaterina Dragunova, chairman of the Committee for Public Relations and Youth Policy of the city of Moscow.
This year, the competition was held for the 29th time within the framework of the social partnership system between the Moscow Government, the Moscow Federation of Trade Unions, and the Moscow Confederation of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs (Employers), with the support of the capital’s Committee on Public Relations and Youth Policy.
Over nearly 30 years of existence, the competition has become one of the most prominent urban projects. The number of professions represented in the contest has increased from seven to 40 by 2026. Throughout the project’s history, more than 1.3 million people have demonstrated their skills. These are specialists of all ages and with varying experience levels, but traditionally, youth make up more than half of them.
Professional recognition: the best specialists of socially oriented NGOs were awarded in MoscowHigh standard of care: Moscow chooses the best care assistant
This year, the finalists of the competition once again proved that mastery is a combination of impeccable professional skills and genuine passion for their work. Each of their paths to the top of the podium was unique, and the challenges in the final stages required not only deep knowledge but also endurance, creativity, and top-notch execution.
Romance and traditions in the registry office
The final of the contest among civil registry office specialists took place at the offsite venue of the “New Addresses of Happiness” project and ended in a truly romantic way: right after all the challenges, the young man proposed marriage to the bronze medal winner Valeria Fedorisheva. Valeria is the chief specialist at the Wedding Palace No. 3. She started working here in 2024, but has already managed to become a real professional, as she proved in the course of the contest.
The finalists had to not only pass tests on knowledge of legislation but also prepare a creative video business card, solve a professional crossword puzzle, and conduct a ceremonial wedding with elements of folk rites. As Valeria admitted, her specialty in modern realities is not just a job, but an opportunity to create something unique and meaningful. She is convinced that the ceremony host becomes not only a guide to the world of love and happiness but also a performer who helps each couple write their own chronicle.
Stories of Moscow tourism
The silver medalist in the field of tourism was Ekaterina Klygina. The final in this category took the form of a live walking tour along the national tourist route “Golden Ring” in Moscow, which included the monument to Yuri Dolgoruky, Theatre Square, Alexander Garden, Red Square, and Zaryadye Park.
In her 10 years of experience, Ekaterina has become convinced that in the age of digital technologies and artificial intelligence, the work of a tour guide remains indispensable, because no algorithm has yet learned to feel the human soul.
“We do not translate words, we translate meanings and emotions,” added the contest laureate. She noted that her mission is to teach people to marvel and see history in stone and metal, filling them with good impressions and inspiration.
Guardians of the capital’s nature
In the category “Green Economy Worker,” Artem Gudkov and Liliya Vyalitova took third place.
Artem’s path into the profession began almost by chance, but even as a child he gladly helped his grandfather in the garden. The bronze medalist admits that he realized his calling when he saw the plant he had planted come to life. For Artem, the highest goal of his work is to ensure that in a city where everything is rushing and noisy, there remains a place where one can simply stop and say: “It’s beautiful here.”
Lilia Vyalitova entered the profession a couple of years ago seeking a way to give the city tranquility and bright colors. She came to love working with plants for their absolute honesty. According to Lilia, each bush is influenced by how it was shaped, how it grew, and learned to hold its form even under the wind from wide avenues. For her, plants are full-fledged residents of the metropolis, and Lilia’s task is to create islands where time can stop and one can admire the greenery.
Caring for our smaller brothers
Third place among veterinarians was taken by Anna Shlyakhtina, an epizootologist at the Tushinskaya veterinary clinic. The final competition included two difficult practical tests — vaccinating domestic animals (where technique, speed, and ability to communicate with the owner were evaluated) and applying surgical sutures with strict adherence to sanitary standards, culminating in an intellectual quiz.
The dream of a profession came to Anna when she was just six years old, as she imagined a bright office and working with animals.
“My work is our multifaceted metropolis. It’s parks, pet stores, pigeon lofts, and private yards,” she added.
For Anna, being a veterinarian is a path that includes joy and challenges, friendship and support, as well as constant professional growth.
Professionalism and dedication
Daniil Grigoriev from the Fire-Rescue Unit No. 204, who took second place in the final in the specialty of “firefighter,” came into the profession consciously after college. He was inspired by the example of his father, who dedicated his entire life to the service and earned the rank of captain.
The final tests for firefighters were as close to reality as possible. Participants took a theory test, demonstrated physical fitness (shuttle run, pull-ups, and a 1,000-meter cross-country run), and also completed a special course that included breaking through a metal door and evacuating a simulated victim from a hard-to-reach place. Daniil has been participating in the “Moscow Masters” competition for a long time and fights hard every year for the title of absolute winner.
“Saving one means saving the universe,” Daniil shared his main life principle. He added that preparing for the competition helped him develop new useful habits and become a better person.
In the capital, the results of the “Moscow Masters” contest in the profession “museum worker – tour guide” were summed upThe best professionals of the capital will be determined at the “Moscow Masters” contestThe best firefighters of the capital were determined at the “Moscow Masters” competition
Quickly get the main news in the official channels of the city of Moscow in messengers “Max” and “Telegram”.
Please note; This information is raw content received directly from the source of information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.