The specialized press described it as the clearest victory of all editions held to date. Brian Liao—a Taiwanese-born conductor trained in the United States—demonstrated an interpretative maturity and stage presence rarely seen in a conductor of his age throughout the four phases of the competition. His victory in Llíria served as the springboard for an international career that has not slowed down since.
The first phase required conductors to tackle one of the most demanding works in the modern repertoire: Schoenberg's Pierrot Lunaire (Universal Edition), a piece that simultaneously tests gestural technique, musicality, the relationship with the ensemble, and the ability to communicate without a score.

The rest of the podium consisted of:
2nd Prize — Luibov Nosova
3rd Prize — Edmon Levon
Special Prize — Daniel Ros