Two weeks away from the start of the prestigious competition, which will announce winners in 7 pizza categories; Will Grant holds a masterclass on November 13 for Detroit Pizza
11 world top names in the world pizza scene are gathering in Sofia on November 12 and 13. The occasion is the International Pizza Championship, where they will be judges. The prestigious competition is held within the framework of the International Food Exhibitions at Inter Expo Center and will be an arena for unique pizza competitions, in which the best of the best in 7 categories will be announced.
Who will be the winners will be decided by: Will Grant, Rosen Naydenov, Giulia Apa, Luca Rallo, Tiziano De Filippis, Valentin Ivanov, Nikola Demo, Zoran Palamaro, Graziano Bertuso, Daniel Zlatkovic, Mario Foliero and Angelo Silvestrini. Well, let’s reveal more about the professionals who will determine the best in the categories Pizza Classica, Pizza Contemporanea, Pizza romana in pala, Pizza gluten-free, Pizza in due, Pizza Black box and Pizza Acrobatica.
The legendary pizzaiolo Will Grant
The world-famous Will Grant arrives from the USA especially for the competition organized by the Bulgarian Association Pizzaioli for the 8th time. In addition to judging the competition, Will Grant will also hold a special Master Class “Detroit Pizza”. “On November 13, the legendary pizzaiolo Will Grant will reveal the secret of authentic Detroit pizza – with its crispy crust, caramelized cheese and unique taste,” share the Bulgarian Association Pizzaioli.
Rosen Naydenov, who “took over” the world with his “Pizza Dessert”
We hold our breath… Because among the members of the jury is Rosen Naydenov – the Bulgarian who at the Pizza World Cup 2025 grabbed the gold prize in the Pizza Dessert category.
He also took the honorable 2nd place for Pala Roamana. In addition, Rosen has many years of experience in Bulgaria and abroad, has many awards, is the champion of Bulgaria, an honorary member of the Bulgarian Association Pizzaioli and a consultant for Pizza Master in Bulgaria and Europe.
The inspirers from Italy
A total of 6 are the representatives of Italy in the jury of the 8th International Pizza Championship at Inter Expo Center, within the framework of the International Food Exhibitions. Among them is Luca Rallo from Naples. The instructor at Pizza Style School meets us with his talent and in his pizzerias.
Tiziano De Filippis arrives from the Apennines. He is the technical director of the Italian pizza school La Scuola italiana pizzaioli. “A true master who turns the art of pizza into a discipline,” the organizers say. Since 2017, he has been developing and supporting Le 5 Stagioni in Italy and around the world. Since 2021, he has been among the school’s leading master instructors.
The jury also includes Nicola Demo, a technologist of the Italian flours Le 5 Stagioni! With many years of experience in flour production, he is a judge of international competitions. Along with him, the competitors will also be evaluated by Graziano Bertuso, Mario Follieri and Angelo Silvestrini.
The unique talent of Valentin Ivanov, Giulia Apa, Zoran Palamaro and Daniel Zlatković
Yes, it is precisely Valentin Ivanov, Zoran Palamaro and Daniel Zlatković, who are highly valued for their professionalism and talent, who will be on the jury of the International Pizza Championship
Valentin Ivanov is a famous chef. In addition, he is a highly valued consultant in the restaurant and hotel industry.
Julia Apa will be participating as a judge from Romania.
Zoran Palamaro is coming to us from the Republic of North Macedonia. The long-time top pizza chef has extensive experience and is an instructor at the pizza academy he runs.
The participants will also be evaluated by Daniel Zlatkovich. He also has his own pizza academy and is highly regarded by the industry worldwide.
You can find out more about the International Pizza Championship, masterclass of Will Grant and the conditions for participation HERE. You can learn more about the charity initiative “Children Help Children”, which is part of the championship HERE. And you can learn more about the International Food Exhibitions MEATMANIA, DAIRY EXPO SOFIA, BULPEK, INTERFOOD&DRINK and Wine&Spirits Show and Will Grant at www.food-exhibitions.bg.
