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.
2027 Regional Qualifier Competitions
Applications are available for the 2027 Regional Qualifier Competitions. Deadline for submittal is December 31, 2026. Questions may be directed to competitions@acfchefs.org.
2027 Regional Qualifier Schedule
| Region |
Dates |
Location |
| Western |
February 26–27, 2027 |
Orange Coast College |
| Northeast |
March 12–13, 2027 |
Columbus State Community College |
| Central |
March 19–20, 2027 |
Johnson County Community College |
| Southeast |
April 2–3, 2027 |
Virginia Western Community College |
Culinary National Competitions
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.
2027 American Culinary Classic
Returning to the 2027 National Convention, the American Culinary Federation will be holding the American Culinary Classic! Open to international competitors, the American Culinary Classic will consist of a four-person team Grand Buffet, individual cold category competitions, and an individual live Centerpiece Showcase. Details
ACF Competition Manuals
Add Credibility to Your Competition
Register your competition with ACF.