Born near Madrid, Allibhoy began cooking at the age of five. After gaining experience in several local restaurants, he secured a position at elBulli under Ferran Adrià for two years. In 2008, he joined Gordon Ramsay's Maze under head chef Jason Atherton.

Gordon Ramsay famously described him as the ‘Antonio Banderas of cooking’. Following his departure, he opened El Pirata Detapas in Mayfair. 

Paul Martin, director of the competition, commented: "Omar is a stellar Spanish chef who has previously worked at elBulli under Ferran Adrià and Maze under Jason Atherton." 

The winner of the competition will represent the UK at the World Tapas Competition in Valladolid, Spain. Sponsors will form a delegation to travel to the final and participate in a culinary study tour.

For more information, visit: www.worldtapasheats.uk.