World’s creative chef 2026: madrid gets ready to host the grand final on november 16th

2026.10.14

Eight international finalists, an exceptional jury, and a shared passion for culinary creativity will come together in Madrid for the grand final of World’s Creative Chef 2026, the international competition created by Fagor Professional to recognize the most artistic and innovative talent in global gastronomy.

On November 16th, 2026, Madrid will become the international capital of culinary creativity as it hosts the grand final of World’s Creative Chef, an initiative by Fagor Professional that celebrates innovation, artistic expression, and excellence in contemporary gastronomy. Following a demanding international selection process, eight chefs representing different countries, culinary cultures, and professional backgrounds have been selected to compete for the title of World’s Most Creative Chef.

The grand final, taking place at Espacio Larra in Madrid, will bring together culinary talent, creativity, and innovation in an event designed to showcase the extraordinary potential of gastronomy as a form of artistic expression. Eight finalists, eight unique culinary visions World’s Creative Chef has officially announced the eight finalists who will compete in Madrid, each bringing a distinctive perspective on contemporary cuisine.

The eight selected finalists are:

Ricardo Goachet – Verbena Restaurant (Peru)

Pablo Quiven – Quiven Patagonia Restaurant (Argentina)

Jorge Enrique Rosales – Rosewood Mandarina (Mexico)

Jamie Angel – Gravetye Manor* (United Kingdom)

Ariel Munguia – Canfranc Express* (Spain)

Kamlesh Singh Kathayat – Gymkhana Dubai Restaurant (United Arab Emirates)

Adnan Öztürk – The Bodrum EDITION Hotel (Turkey)

Vitaliia Veselovska – Kadorr Restaurant (Ukraine)

These eight chefs represent different culinary traditions and approaches, but they share a common ambition: to explore new creative possibilities, challenge established conventions, and transform ingredients, techniques, and ideas into extraordinary gastronomic experiences.

During the grand final, participants will be challenged to demonstrate not only their technical expertise but also their artistic sensitivity, originality, and ability to evoke emotion through their creations.

Beyond technique: gastronomy as an art form World’s Creative Chef was created with a clear mission: to discover and recognize culinary professionals capable of taking gastronomy beyond technical excellence and into the realm of art.

For Fagor Professional, creativity is one of the fundamental forces driving the evolution of the gastronomic industry. The competition seeks to identify chefs who approach cooking as a form of expression, combining innovation, aesthetic sensitivity, technical knowledge, and a unique personal vision.

Rather than focusing exclusively on culinary execution, World’s Creative Chef celebrates the ability to develop original concepts, reinterpret ingredients, and create experiences that connect with people on an emotional level.

The eight finalists embody this philosophy, representing some of the most original and distinctive voices in contemporary international gastronomy. An exceptional jury of internationally renowned chefs To evaluate the finalists' proposals, Fagor Professional has brought together an outstanding jury composed of some of its ambassador chefs and leading figures in international haute cuisine.

The jury includes: Clare Smyth – Core*** (United Kingdom) Diego Guerrero – DSTAgE** (Spain) Najat Kaanache – Morocco. Paco Roncero – Paco Roncero Restaurante** (Spain) . Quique Dacosta - Quique Dacosta Restaurant*** (Spain) and Jaime Pesaque - Mayta (Peru)

Additional renowned culinary professionals will also be announced as part of the jury.

Recognized internationally for their exceptional careers, innovative approaches, and contributions to contemporary gastronomy, these chefs bring extensive experience and a profound understanding of culinary creativity.

Their expertise, artistic sensitivity, and ability to recognize originality will play a decisive role in evaluating the finalists and selecting the winners of this edition. For Fagor Professional, having professionals of this caliber involved in World’s Creative Chef represents an opportunity to strengthen the connection between culinary talent, innovation, and the future of the gastronomic industry.

Madrid, the international meeting point for culinary creativity On November 16, Espacio Larra in Madrid will become the setting for one of the most anticipated moments of World’s Creative Chef 2026.

The grand final will bring together chefs, gastronomic professionals, and industry representatives from different parts of the world, creating a unique environment where talent, knowledge, and creative ideas converge.

Beyond the competition, the event aims to celebrate the diversity of international gastronomy and highlight the importance of creativity in shaping its future. Madrid will provide the perfect stage for this celebration, reinforcing its role as a destination closely connected to culinary excellence, innovation, and contemporary gastronomic culture.

Fagor Professional: supporting the talent shaping the future of gastronomy As the creator and organizer of World’s Creative Chef, Fagor Professional reinforces its commitment to supporting culinary professionals and promoting innovation throughout the global foodservice industry.

The company believes that the future of professional kitchens is shaped not only by technological progress but also by the creativity, knowledge, and vision of the people who work within them.

World’s Creative Chef reflects this philosophy by creating a platform where emerging and established culinary talent can gain international recognition, share their ideas, and demonstrate their potential. Through this initiative, Fagor Professional continues to strengthen its relationship with the international gastronomic community, connecting technology, creativity, and professional excellence.

The countdown to the grand final has begun With the eight finalists officially announced and preparations underway, World’s Creative Chef 2026 enters its most exciting stage. In the coming weeks, Fagor Professional will continue sharing information about the finalists, their culinary projects, the jury, and the activities surrounding the grand final through its official website and social media channels.

On November 16th, all eyes will turn to Madrid as eight extraordinary chefs compete to demonstrate that gastronomy is much more than technique: it is creativity, emotion, innovation, and art. Eight finalists. Eight culinary visions. One world stage.