1
Contest registration
You can register for the contest until August 16th, 2026, using the form on this page.
Remember that to participate and for your registration to be valid, you must comply with all the rules.
ITAMAE Balfegó
We are looking for the best sushi chef in Europe
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Balfegó is launching the 4th edition of ITAMAE Balfegó, the first open to all sushi chefs in Europe to recognize, promote and disseminate Japanese culture and gastronomy throughout the continent.
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The championship will take place on September 28, 2026. The venue will be revealed soon.
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We are looking for contestants who can demonstrate their mastery before a jury made up of leading chefs of Japanese gastronomy in Europe.
Awards
– First prize: A one-week culinary trip to Japan for two people and €4,000 in cash to be enjoyed during the trip.
– Second Prize: €2,000 in cash, the ITAMAE Balfegó Trophy, and a product gift pack.
– Third Prize: €1,000 in cash, the ITAMAE Balfegó Trophy, and a product gift pack.
Registration deadline
August 16th 2026.
Championship bases
Remember that in order to participate and validate your registration you must comply with all the rules.
Championship operation
2
Selection of finalists
Applications submitted before August 16th will undergo an initial screening. An internal jury, comprised of chefs and culinary professionals, will evaluate the portfolios and information submitted and select the finalists for ITAMAE Balfegó.
3
Award ceremony
On September 28, 2026, you will present your entries to the jury in the grand final. The championship will consist of two rounds: nigiri skill and maki/nigiri creation.
The winner will be announced that same day, and the awards ceremony will be held. The event will be attended by celebrities from the hospitality and gastronomy world, as well as leading figures in food journalism. We will also have a spectacular culinary demonstration and tasting featuring our star ingredient, Balfegó Bluefin Tuna.
PARTICIPATE
The registration period has now closed. Best of luck to all participants. The finalists will be announced very soon. Thank you for taking part!