Competitions

Competitions play a vital role in culinary arts as they continually raise the standards of culinary excellence. There is no better way for a culinarian to hone their craft than by putting their skills and knowledge to the test in a competitive format.

Participation in ACF approved competitions will also earn you continuing education hours for ACF certification.

ACF Competition Calendar

View upcoming competitions.

Culinary Competition Awards

U.S.A.’s Chef of the Year™

The Chef of the Year award recognizes an outstanding culinarian who works and cooks in a full-service dining facility. This person has demonstrated the highest standard of culinary skills, advanced the cuisine of America, and given back to the profession through the development of students and apprentices.

Student Chef of the Year

The Student Chef of the Year award recognizes an outstanding student culinarian that has demonstrated the highest standard of culinary skills and professionalism at this stage of their career.

Pastry Chef of the Year

The Pastry Chef of the Year award recognizes an outstanding pastry culinarian who prepares pastry in a full-service dining facility. This person has demonstrated the highest standard of pastry skills, advanced the cuisine of America and given back to the profession through the development of students and apprentices.

Student Pastry Chef of the Year

The Student Pastry Chef of the Year award recognizes an outstanding student culinarian that has demonstrated the highest standard of culinary skills and professionalism at this stage of their career.

Student Team of the Year

Each year, five student teams prove themselves worthy of a greater challenge—ACF Student Team Championship.

Chef Educator of the Year

The Chef Educator of the Year award pays tribute to an active culinary educator whose knowledge, skills and expertise have enhanced the image of the professional chef, and who, by example, has given leadership, guidance and direction to students seeking a career in the culinary profession.

ACF Competition Manuals

Add Credibility to Your Competition

Register your competition with ACF.

2025 Competition Winners

The American Culinary Federation (ACF) is proud to announce the winners of the 2025 ACF National Awards and Culinary Competitions, celebrated during the ACF National Convention held at the Paris Las Vegas Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. Chefs, students, and military teams from across the nation, and around the globe, gathered to showcase their skills, passion, and dedication to culinary excellence.

From the international arena of the Global Chefs Challenge to the patriotic spirit of the Freedom Chefs Challenge, and from the fast-paced ACF Food Sport Competitions to the prestigious ACF National Awards, the 2025 convention highlighted the best and brightest across the culinary profession.

Top Competition Highlights

Global Chefs Challenge

Qualifying teams will advance to compete in the Global Chefs Finals during the 2026 Worldchefs Congress & Expo in Wales.

  • Global Chef Winner: Derek R. Mazzoccoli, USA
  • Global Pastry Chef Winner: Pablo Galvan, Mexico
  • Global Vegan Chef Winner: Michael J. Stamets, CEC, USA
  • Global Junior Chef Winner: Yeishalee Santana, USA

Freedom Chefs Challenge

  • Gold Medal & Overall Winner: Team United States Coast Guard
  • Special recognition to all branches who competed with honor and distinction

ACF Food Sport Competition

Powered by World Food Championships and Sponsored by TurboChef

  • Pizza: Larry Matson, CEC, CCE, AAC
  • Burger: Gabe Rosado, CEC, CCA
  • Pastry/Dessert: Rebekah Pool
  • Sandwich: Vanessa Marquis, CEC, AAC

ACF National Competitions

Chef of the Year sponsored by Middleby. Student competitions sponsored by Zwilling.

  • Chef of the Year: Jeffrey MacDonald, CCC
  • Pastry Chef of the Year: Kelsie Vansant, CEPC
  • Chef Educator of the Year: Joshua Wickham, CEC, CEPC, AAC
  • Student Chef of the Year: Karen Wood
  • Student Pastry Chef of the Year: Kaylee Snyder
  • Student Team National Champions: SUNY Delhi
  • Knowledge Bowl National Champions: Chefs de Cuisine Association of St. Louis

Congratulations to all competitors, finalists, and award recipients. Your commitment to excellence inspires the culinary community and sets a gold standard for the profession.