Naples Prepares for Global Pizza Showdown: World Pizza Maker Championship 2026
Naples, Campania, Italy, June 6, 2026 – The city of Naples is gearing up to host the 23rd edition of the World Pizza Maker Championship, a prestigious event that will bring together over 600 pizza professionals from 35 nations. Scheduled to take place at the Mostra d’Oltremare from June 8 to 10, 2026, the championship promises three days of fierce competition, culinary exchange, and a celebration of Neapolitan pizza-making art.
Unprecedented Global Participation
This year’s championship marks a historic milestone with an unprecedented level of international participation. For the first time, competitors from countries such as Finland, Armenia, Puerto Rico, and Bosnia and Herzegovina will join the ranks of pizza makers vying for the coveted Caputo Trophy. The global reach of the event is a testament to a year-long selection process, which included numerous Caputo Cup stages held in over 100 countries worldwide.
The diverse array of nations represented includes the USA, Korea, Japan, Taiwan, China, Serbia, Switzerland, Austria, Poland, Canada, Germany, Argentina, the United Kingdom, Mexico, the Netherlands, Uruguay, New Zealand, Thailand, Belgium, Croatia, Romania, Slovenia, France, Spain, and many more. This truly cosmopolitan gathering underscores the universal appeal and cultural significance of pizza.
Visionary Event Promotes Neapolitan Pizza Art
Antimo Caputo, CEO of Mulino Caputo, expressed his pride in the event’s evolution. “Our intuition was visionary and has been carried forward,” he stated. “To create an event capable of attracting pizza makers from all over the world to Naples, where pizza was born. Creating the opportunity to transmit ‘the art of Neapolitan pizza maker,’ as recognized by UNESCO, to so many young professionals of as many nationalities.”
Caputo emphasized the importance of these shared moments, highlighting how they foster learning, discussion, and experimentation. He noted that the convergence of diverse culinary cultures at the championship often leads to the emergence of new trends, such as the resurgence of high-quality artisan American pizza, which blends overseas characteristics with premium products from Campania. This trend, he explained, creates a virtuous cycle benefiting the entire supply chain, from flour and tomatoes to oil and dairy, by exporting both high-quality raw materials and authoritative food know-how.
Innovation and Tradition in Competition
Gianluca Pirro, president of the Neapolitan Pizza Makers Association (APN), shared his satisfaction with the achievements and the prospects for the 23rd edition. “Last year, we introduced the ‘Pizza&Wine’ competition category to reward the ideal pairing between pizza art and wine excellence,” Pirro explained. “This intuition has received numerous accolades and is establishing itself as a benchmark in all sector competitions.”
This year’s championship will feature 12 categories, with the ‘Neapolitan Pizza S.T.G. (Traditional Guaranteed Specialty)’ being the most prominent, crowning the World Champion. Pirro highlighted the life-changing impact of winning this title, as evidenced by the track record of past editions.
Economic Impact and Global Recognition
The World Pizza Maker Championship not only celebrates a culinary art form but also contributes significantly to the local economy and promotes Neapolitan culture on a global scale. The influx of international participants and visitors generates revenue for hotels, restaurants, and other local businesses, further solidifying Naples’ reputation as a gastronomic capital.
The event’s continued growth and international appeal reinforce the UNESCO recognition of the art of Neapolitan pizza making as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity. It serves as a platform for cultural exchange, fostering a deeper appreciation for traditional pizza-making techniques and encouraging innovation within the industry.
As the countdown to June 8 begins, Naples is ready to welcome the world’s best pizza makers and showcase its rich culinary heritage to a global audience. The championship promises to be a vibrant and exciting event, celebrating passion, skill, and the enduring legacy of pizza.
