Mr Nagano, 25, of Tokyo, won the $25,000 first prize as well as the people's choice award in a field of 11 world-class pianists.

Daria Kameneva, of Russia, came second, and Elina Akselrud finished third.

Mr Nagano is no stranger to victory, and came first in the Chopin competition in Taipei in 2008.

Competition chairman, Professor Larry Sitsky, said it was Mr Nagano's ability to capture the "romantic spirit" and the "19^th century feeling of freedom" that got him over the line.

All three prize winners will play at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music on Monday.