Worldchefs has launched a Call for Partnership to host the Global Chefs Challenge Finals 2027–2031, inviting national chef associations, event organizers, and destination partners to bid for the right to stage Worldchefs’ flagship culinary competition.
- Worldchefs invites bids to host the Global Chefs Challenge Finals 2027–2031, calling on national chef associations and event partners to submit proposals to stage three consecutive editions of the organization’s flagship culinary competition.
- Hosting the Finals positions the partner destination as the home of a global competition, boosting international visibility, attracting government and sponsor support, and creating lasting economic and industry impact. Download the Call for Partnership to review eligibility requirements and more information.
Paris, 12 November 2025 – The World Association of Chefs’ Societies (Worldchefs), the largest international body of professional chefs’ associations, has announced the opening of the bidding process to host the Global Chefs Challenge Finals 2027–2031, marking a new chapter for the organization’s flagship culinary competition.
Held biennially since its inception in 2008, the Global Chefs Challenge brings together top chefs from around the world to compete in multiple categories, including the Global Chefs Challenge, the Global Pastry Chefs Challenge, the Global Vegan Chefs Challenge, and the Global Young Chefs Challenge.
Worldchefs is now inviting proposals from national chef associations and experienced event organizers to host the Finals for three consecutive editions, held every two years, from 2027 to 2031. The aim is to establish a permanent or recurring host city in partnership with a major international food exhibition.
The selected host will be expected to deliver top-tier infrastructure, jointly secure sponsor and government support, and help elevate the competition’s global visibility and impact.
A New Chapter for a Flagship Competition
Culinary competitions are at the heart of what we do at Worldchefs. They are central to our identity as chefs and play a vital role within our associations
Andy Cuthbert, Worldchefs President
Over the course of the competition’s nearly two-decade-long run, the Global Chefs Challenge Finals have been held alongside the Worldchefs Congress & Expo. In a strategic move, the Finals will now be hosted as a standalone Worldchefs-branded event. This shift allows for greater visibility, wider participation, and enhanced partnerships, while avoiding scheduling conflicts with other major international competitions.
“Culinary competitions are at the heart of what we do at Worldchefs. They are central to our identity as chefs and play a vital role within our associations,” said Andy Cuthbert, President of Worldchefs. “To elevate the Global Chefs Challenge to even greater heights, we have reimagined it as an independent global event, one that reflects the prestige and professionalism of our craft and the passion of our international community.”
A Partnership for Global Gastronomy
The selected host city, as host of the prestigious competition, will be the official home and hub for culinary excellence, partnering with Worldchefs to deliver the world-class culinary competition. Integrated with a major international food or hospitality trade show, the event will build on the existing competition categories to reflect the evolving landscape of global gastronomy.
Bringing together international competitors, judges, sponsors, and media representatives from around the world, hosting the Finals presents a unique opportunity to:
- Establish a reputation as a culinary capital;
- Boost international visibility through Worldchefs’ global media and industry network;
- Generate significant economic, educational, and cultural value through tourism and talent exchange; and
- Establish a lasting legacy in culinary education, sustainability, and skills development.
Eligibility and Hosting Criteria
To be considered, proposals must:
- Be submitted jointly by an active Worldchefs National Member Association and an experienced event management partner;
- Demonstrate proven experience hosting international food, hospitality, or culinary competitions;
- Provide suitable facilities, including a minimum 1,000 sqm venue with competition arena, kitchens, and hospitality areas;
- Show strong government and sponsor support, and a commitment to sustainability and inclusion.
Priority will be given to destinations offering international accessibility and a track record of major culinary or trade events.
In line with Worldchefs’ global mission, host partners must demonstrate responsible event practices, including:
- Use of local, seasonal, and sustainably sourced ingredients;
- Waste reduction and food donation initiatives;
- Green venue standards and plastic-free operations; and
- An inclusive, respectful environment for all participants and guests.
Worldchefs encourages hosts to submit a short post-event sustainability report to highlight outcomes and best practices.
Submit an Expression of Interest
Worldchefs will review all submissions and select a host destination for the 2027–2031 cycle in 2026, following consultation with its Board of Directors and Culinary Committee.
For full partnership details, eligibility criteria, and submission requirements, interested parties can download a Call for Partnership document.
Global Chefs Challenge Finals at Worldchefs Congress & Expo 2026
Worldchefs Congress & Expo is a hallmark tradition of Worldchefs, and has been organized in cities around the world throughout its illustrious 98-year history. The forum brings together delegates from across the five continents to network and expand their professional bonds. The unique program delivers presentations and workshops from leading experts in the hospitality industry, impactful educational programs including the Worldchefs Educators’ Forum, specialized events designed to uplift the next generation of chefs such as the Bill Gallagher Young Chefs Forum, an international trade exhibition, the Global Chefs Challenge competition, and diverse activities to enhance both personal and professional networks.
The 2026 Worldchefs Congress & Expo and Global Chefs Challenge Finals will be held in Wales, hosted by the Culinary Association of Wales.
Visit www.worldchefscongress.org for more information.
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About Worldchefs
The World Association of Chefs’ Societies, known as Worldchefs, is a federation made up of 110 national chef associations. A leading voice in the hospitality industry, Worldchefs carries years of history since its founding in 1928 at the Sorbonne by the venerable Auguste Escoffier.
Representing a mobilized international membership of culinary professionals, Worldchefs is committed to advancing the profession and leveraging the influence of the chef jacket for the betterment of the industry and humanity at large.
Worldchefs is dedicated to raising culinary standards and social awareness through these core focus areas:
Humanitarianism & Sustainability – Worldchefs Feed the Planet and World Chefs Without Borders programs relieve food poverty, deliver crisis support, and promote sustainability across the globe.
Education – Worldchefs offers support for education and professional development through the Worldchefs Academy online training program, a diverse network of Worldchefs Education Partners and curriculum, and the world’s first Global Culinary Certification recognizing on-the-job skills in hospitality;
Networking – Worldchefs connects culinary professionals around the world and provides a gateway for industry networking opportunities through endorsed events and the biennial Worldchefs Congress & Expo;
Competition – Worldchefs sets global standards for competition rules, provides Competition Seminars and assurance of Worldchefs Certified Judges, and operates the prestigious Global Chefs Challenge.
