JOSEPH BALFE

Winner of the 2026 Warsaw Fingerstyle Guitar competition where he won a 15 series Avenir guitar! 

Joseph Balfe is a fingerstyle guitarist from New Zealand whose distinctive playing combines intricate technique, rhythm, and expressive musicianship. A self-taught musician who began playing guitar at the age of nine, Joseph has since earned recognition on the international fingerstyle scene, winning numerous awards and competitions around the world.

In 2026, he took first place at the International Guitar Competition hosted by the Warsaw Fingerstyle Festival in Poland, competing against guitarists from across the globe. He has also had the opportunity to perform alongside renowned fingerstyle guitarist Tommy Emmanuel and has appeared as a guest artist at festivals and events throughout Australia and New Zealand.

Now based in Oxford, UK, Joseph continues to perform internationally while pursuing his doctoral research in neuroscience at the University of Oxford.