The event marks the culmination of the sixth edition of the Academy’s international initiative, following two years of rigorous challenges across 55 countries and 15 regions. The event will bring together the most promising young culinary talents from across the world.

Ben Miller from restaurant Alex Dilling at Hotel Café Royal in London will represent the UK region at the final. Miller will cook his signature dish, Ode to Sam Yee, based on duck, supported by mentor chef Santiago Lastra.

The winner will be the young chef who not only demonstrates outstanding technical skill, but also embodies S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy’s mission: ‘to shape the future of gastronomy through creativity, passion and purpose’.

This year’s competition theme, 'Bring Your Future to the Table’ invites young chefs to go beyond showcasing their culinary expertise. It challenges them to define their unique voice, share their vision for a more sustainable and inclusive gastronomic world, and express their personal identity through their creations.

A Grand Jury of seven culinary legends - Christophe Bacquié, Jeremy Chan, Antonia Klugmann, Niki Nakayama, Elena Reygadas, Julien Royer and Mitsuharu Tsumura – will come together in Milan to identify these rising stars.

The Grand Jury will evaluate the 15 finalists on creativity, technical ability and how deeply their dishes reflect their personal vision for the future of gastronomy.