The Best Pizza Awards 2025: the world's pizza elite are crowned in Milan

The Spazio Antologico, in East End Studios (Milan), was the setting for this international celebration that brought together more than 500 guests from 30 countries, including the 300 most influential pizzaiolos of the moment, as well as specialized journalists and key figures in culinary innovation.

Already considered the most prestigious competition in the industry, The Best Pizza Awards not only rewards technique and talent, but also celebrates the cultural, creative, and evolving value of this ancient art. With an independent jury of 512 experts from 60 countries, the event maintains its neutrality and prestige: here, the chefs decide, not the sponsors.

The 2025 podium: three names, three styles, one art

This year, the award for the world's best pizzaiolo went to Francesco Martucci of I Masanielli (Caserta). Known for his technical mastery and his bold contemporary reinterpretation of Neapolitan tradition, Martucci tops the list for his radically innovative approach, without betraying the essence of the craft.

They are followed by two essential figures: Franco Pepe (Pepe in Grani, Caiazzo), a pioneer of the region and tireless defender of local products, and Gabriele Bonci (Pizzarium, Rome), an icon of pizza al taglio, who has elevated this format to new creative heights with live doughs and unusual toppings.

Special awards: innovation, identity and craftsmanship

In addition to the top 10, the Best Pizza Awards also recognize talents who are redefining specific disciplines. The NextGen category, dedicated to the new generation, was awarded to Eloi Torrent of Gasparic restaurant (Can Blanc, Spain), in recognition of his unique style and his ability to translate local sensibility into a contemporary interpretation.

Other notable names:

• Best Fried Pizza: Isabella De Cham, Naples.
• Best Science Pizza: Ciccio Vitiello, Caserta.
• Best Food Art Pizza: Roberta Esposito, Aversa.
• Best Pizza Experience: Daniele Cason, The Pizza Bar on 38th, Tokio.
• Best Street Pizza: Massimo Laveglia, L'Industrie, Nueva York.
• Best Pizza Social Media: Javiera Contardo, DOU, Santiago de Chile.

Each of these distinctions reflects a different approach within the broad universe of pizza: science, art, communication, sustainability, creativity, and cultural transmission.

Milan, center of the pizza world for a day

Far from being just an awards ceremony, the event was a true gastronomic immersion: Pizza Talks, workshops, masterclasses by Daniele Gagliotta and Amalia Costantini, collaborative dinners and tastings made this edition a lively space for learning, exploration and celebration.

To see all the award winners and the complete Top 100, visit thebestchefpizza.com.