Since it's inception in 2007, the International Pizza Challenge™ has evolved and grown in stature and in prize money.  The first competition in 2007 had no restrictions, but evolved into a pure Traditional competition in 2008.  The success of the 2008 contest resulted in the expansion of the two divisions in 2009 - Traditional and Non-Traditional.  The 2010 show once again crowned a winner in each division. 

A maximum of 60 entries were accepted in each division.  Contestants competed in regional groups of 12 with a winner from each region advancing to the final challenge on Thursday.  Two wild cards also advanced to the finals.

Contestants brought all of their ingredients with show management providing refrigeration space, equipment and ovens.   Pizzas were judged by panels of impartial chefs, food critics and other pizzeria owners using the following judging criteria:

Taste will be scored on:

• Crust
• Sauce, Cheese, Toppings
• Overall Taste
• Creativity (Non-Traditional Division only)

Visual Presentation / Appearance will be scored on:

• Bake
• Visual Presentation

Complete rules can be found on the Official Entry Form.

Both the Traditional and Non-Traditional Divisions were once again closed prior to the show with a waiting list.

The following pizza artisans have taken home the top prize and the 2010 winners have been added.

2010 Traditional Winner of $10,000  
Eddy Rossignoli              
Venezia, Italy

2010 Non-Traditional Winner of $10,000  
Theo Kalogeracos              
Jakarta, Indonesia
Theo also took home the Pizza Maker of the Year prize of $5,000 by winning the Blind Box Bake-Off.

2009 Traditional Winner of $10,000   
Grazziano Bertuzzo               
Leece, Italy
Grazziano also took home the first Pizzaiolo of the Year prize of $5,000.                  
                       
2009 Non-Traditional Winner of $10,000
Scot Cosentino
Goodfella's Pizza
Staten Island, NY

2008 Traditional Winner of $10,000    
Grazziano Bertuzzo                
Leece, Italy    

2007 Winner of $5,000
E. Jay Myers                
Goodfella's Pizza                        
Staten Island, NY

CLICK HERE to download the Official Entry Form with all the Rules and Regulations.

CLICK HERE to download the 2010 IPC Traditional Scores & Rankings.

CLICK HERE to download the 2010 IPC Non-Traditional Scores & Rankings.

CLICK HERE to download the 2010 IPC Finals Scores.