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 2011 show once again crowned a winner in each division. 

A maximum of 65 entries were accepted in each division.  Contestants  competed in regional groups of 13 with a winner from each region advancing to the final challenge on Thursday.  Two wild cards will also advance to the finals.

Contestants brought all of their ingredients with show management providing refrigeration space, equipment and ovens.   Judging panels  of impartial chefs, food critics and other pizzeria owners scored each pizza using the following judging criteria:

Taste was scored on:

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

Visual Presentation / Appearance were scored on:

• Bake
• Visual Presentation

CLICK HERE to download 2011 results in the Traditional Division.

CLICK HERE to download 2011 results in the Non-Traditional Division.

CLICK HERE to download 2011 Final Scores. 

The following pizza artisans have taken home the top prize since the contest began.

2011 Traditional Winner of $10,000 
Carmelo Oliveri             
Verona, Italy
Carmelo also took home the 2011 Pizza Maker of the Year prize of $5,000 by winning the Blind Box Bake-Off.

2011 Non-Traditional Winner of $10,000  
Luigi Vianello
Venezia, Italy

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 2010 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