The competition, organised by Major International and the Craft Guild of Chefs, took place at Westminster Kingsway College, is open to junior and senior chefs of varying skill levels and consists of live and static display classes, including pastry and restaurant skills, as well as the hot live Culinary Challenge, which allows 50 minutes to prepare and cook two individual chicken dishes.With all the heats now completed for this year, eight finalists of the Major Culinary Challenge will now compete at Hospitality 2013 for the chance to be crowned overall champion.Major International's managing director, David Bryant, says he cannot believe it has been 10 years since he sat down with the Craft Guild to formalise the event. "Today it is seen as one of the UK's premier competitions," he said. "It was great to see so many young people experiencing the thrill of the series. The primary aim of this competition has always been to nurture talent as well as culinary excellence."Consultant chef and one of Craft Guild's south west representatives, Scott Lucas, who is on the judging panel, said: "Feedback from the judges is about helping the chefs; we all want the skills level in the UK to improve and make us better all the time."With people like Major International taking the time, money and effort to help people entering the industry, it is a great opportunity for students to hone their skills gathered at college from some very dedicated teaching staff."We would like to take the opportunity to thank all our judges and colleges that have taken part this year making it one of the most successful Major Series ever."