ITAMAE Balfegó

We are looking for the best sushi chef in Europe

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.
The championship will take place on September 28, 2026. The venue will be revealed soon.
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.

Consult the championship rules

Would you like to win ITAMAE Balfegó?

We are looking for the best sushi chef in Europe

Championship operation

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.

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.

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

If you want to win ITAMAE Balfegó, fill out our form:

1.Personal Information
First name*
Surname*
Date of birth*
DD slash MM slash YYYY
Nationality*
Mobile Phone*
Email*
Links to your own or the restaurant's professional networks*
(Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or other relevant platforms)
Restaurant where you work*
Restaurant Address**
State*
2.Professional Experience

Attach your CV or professional history in PDF or Word format. Also, a recent photograph of yourself wearing a chef's jacket (the photo should not include other people and should have a neutral background, preferably white or light-colored).
Please attach your updated CV in PDF format.*
Drop files here or

Max. file size: 20 MB, Max. files: 2.
3. Gastronomic Portfolio

Attach photographs and/or videos that help showcase your experience, technique, and creativity. There is no mandatory format; you can submit the material you consider most representative of your work.

• Between 5 and 10 high-quality photographs.

• Images of different sushi styles and techniques.

• Complete presentations showing the final plating.

• Short videos of processes or techniques, if available.

• Brief description of each preparation (optional).
Attach a photo of the dish for the recipe submitted*
Drop files here or

Accepted file types: jpg, png, pdf, Max. file size: 20 MB.
4.Contest Items

Indicate the names of the dishes you will present during the competition.
Name of the dish for the Sashimi and Nigiri Skill Test*
Name of the preparation for the Makis Creation test*
Accept Championship Rules*
- I have read and accept the Championship Rules and the personal data processing
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ITAMAE Balfegó

Would you like to win ITAMAE Balfegó?

Championship operation

1

Contest registration

2

Selection of finalists

3

Award ceremony

PARTICIPATE