The culinary world is set for an exhilarating showdown as the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Grand Finale takes place in Milan on 28 and 29 October 2025. This highly anticipated event will bring together 15 of the most talented young chefs under 30, each vying for the prestigious title of world’s best young chef.
A Global Culinary Competition Reaches Its Climax
Since its launch, the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy has been a platform for rising culinary talent, showcasing creativity, vision, and skill. The 2024-25 competition has seen 164 young chefs from across the globe compete in Regional Finals, judged by distinguished local culinary experts. These contests tested technical expertise, innovative thinking, and a commitment to using food as a tool for positive change.
Now, after months of preparation, the top 15 regional champions will present their signature dishes to an elite panel of internationally acclaimed chefs, each known for their excellence and influence in the gastronomic world.
World-Class Judges to Select the Winner
The Grand Finale will feature a renowned international jury, including:
- Christophe Bacquié
- Jeremy Chan
- Antonia Klugmann
- Mitsuharu ‘Micha’ Tsumura
- Niki Nakayama
- Elena Reygadas
- Julien Royer
These culinary masters will assess each dish based on technical expertise, creative flair, and the chef’s ability to drive change through gastronomy.
Beyond the Title: Prestigious Awards and Industry Recognition
While the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Award remains the most coveted prize, finalists will also compete for other prestigious honours:
- S.Pellegrino Social Responsibility Award – Recognising chefs who prioritise sustainability and ethical practices.
- Acqua Panna Connection in Gastronomy Award – Honouring dishes that celebrate cultural heritage and innovation.
- Fine Dining Lovers Food for Thought Award – Rewarding chefs with the most inspiring culinary philosophies.
These awards reflect the Academy’s commitment to fostering culinary talent while promoting sustainability, cultural diversity, and forward-thinking gastronomy.
From Finalist to Culinary Stardom
The competition has been a career-defining experience for many past winners. Nelson Freitas, the 2022-23 champion, trained under Virgilio Martínez at Central, crowned the World’s Best Restaurant 2023. His journey, captured in the documentary Afuera Hay Más – A Young Chef’s Journey, illustrates how the Academy nurtures emerging talent and shapes the future of fine dining.
Meet the 2024-25 Finalists
This year’s 15 regional champions and their signature dishes are:
- Gabriela Sarmiento (Latin America & Caribbean) – La Malquerida
- Ben Miller (UK) – Ode to Sam Yee
- Garrett Brower (USA) – Quail Stuffed with Chesapeake Oysters
- Antonis Avouri (France) – The Consequences of Our Actions
- Kyongho Choi (Pacific) – Bacon and Cabbage or Pork and Kimchi
- Victoria Rinsma (Canada) – Across the Sea and Home Again
- Ya Min Liu (Mainland China) – Symphony of Layered Flavours
- Ardy Ferguson (Asia) – Archipelago Celebration
- Noah Wynants (North Europe) – Dutch “Rendang”
- José María Borrás (Iberian Countries) – Langosto y Cochinillo Balear
- Emilia Montz (Central Europe) – Russian Ballet
- Luckson Mare (Middle East & South Asia) – Duck, Sweet Potato, Matungulu
- Theo Kopp (West Europe) – Potée Lorraine
- Pablo Donadío Falcón (South East Europe & Mediterranean) – Haiku to the Mountain
- Edoardo Tizzanini (Italy) – An Artichoke Heart
A Celebration of Culinary Excellence
The Grand Finale will be more than a competition it will be a celebration of culinary passion, mentorship, and creativity. Finalists will work closely with their mentors to refine their dishes, ensuring they present their best work on the world stage.
The S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy continues to inspire the next generation of culinary leaders, proving that gastronomy is not just about food, but also about innovation, sustainability, and cultural storytelling.