From February 16-18, 2025, the European Regional Finals of the Global Chefs Challenge 2025 took place in Rimini, Italy, where Cyprus was proudly represented by:
– Chef Constantina Papaioannou, who won the gold medal in the Global Young Chefs Challenge category, securing her place in the grand final to be held in Wales in 2026.
– Pastry Chef Marios Karagiorgis, with Chef Marina Vouzouni as his assistant, who claimed the silver medal in the Global Pastry Chefs Challenge category.
– Chef Giorgos Karagiorgis, also assisted by Chef Marina Vouzouni, who earned the silver medal in the Global Chefs Challenge category.
A huge congratulations to all four chefs for their outstanding performance, passion, and dedication! More than just the awards, what truly matters is the journey and the invaluable experience gained. Every competition is an opportunity for learning, growth, and inspiration, and our Cypriot chefs have proven that dedication and love for gastronomy always lead to great achievements.
Special recognition goes to Valentinos Michail, Director of the Cyprus National Culinary Team, and Stavros Kakofengitis*, Director of the Cyprus National Junir Culinaty Team, who stood by the competitors from start to finish, providing invaluable guidance and support throughout the competition.
Petros Gavriel, President of the Cyprus Chefs Association, and Panikos Nearchou were part of the judging panel of the Global Chefs Challenge, contributing their expertise and experience to the evaluation process.
Also present was George Damianou, Worldchefs’ Continental Director for Southern Europe, who played a crucial role in overseeing the event as an official observer, ensuring the competition adhered to the high standards set by Worldchefs.
Cyprus and the Cyprus Chefs Association will be proudly represented in the grand final by Constantina Papaioannou, who will compete among the world’s best young chefs in Wales in May 2026.
The Cyprus Chefs Association remains committed to supporting young culinary talents who showcase the rich gastronomic heritage of our country.
Best of luck to Konstantina in the world finals!