International Pizza Challenge adds Classica Pizza Competition
International Pizza Challenge (IPC) continues to elevate as the premiere pizza competition in the world. This year, the Classica Division has been added to a full slate of seven pizza divisions and over 650 competitors at International Pizza Expo, March 24-26 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
Italian Classica is non-traditional Neapolitan style division. Classica follows some the same rules as the Neapolitan Division, including that Neapolitan style dough must be cooked in a dome high-temp oven, round shaped, and baked directly on the oven floor. Italian Classica pizzas must have at least one topping besides sauce and cheese if applicable. There are no other restrictions on sauce, cheese, toppings, or post-bake additions.
We turned to our IPC coordinators Jeremy Galvin and Michael LaMarca of Ohio-based Master Pizza to learn more about this new division.
PT: What really makes the Classica division unique?
JG & ML: Classica division is unique in that you are taking a very traditional Italian pizza dough and pushing the limits with non-traditional toppings. Combining a great Italian tradition with unleashed creativity.
PT: How can a pizza maker excel in the Clasica division?
JG & ML: By respecting the traditions and mastering the handling of Neapolitan style pizza dough. Having a well put together plan for assembling a creative pizza within the allowed time limits. Top scoring competitors will find the perfect balance of adding creative complexity to the simplistic base of Neapolitan style dough.
PT: Are there any parameters that competitors should be aware of?
JG & ML: They must use a Neapolitan style dough with no stated restrictions on the size and weight but should still closely respect the Neapolitan style traditions, No Par-Baking is allowed, Time allowance in this division from start to finish is 12 minutes.
Unleash your creativity and honor Italian tradition! Sign up now for the Italian Classica Division at the International Pizza Challenge. Compete with the best, push the boundaries of Neapolitan-style pizza, and showcase your unique creations. Spots are limited—secure your place today and take your pizza-making skills to the next level!
You must register as an attendee before you can enter the Pizza Challenge.
Registration for competition events may be completed online while you register.
REGISTER TODAY!!!
Quick Glance at the 2026 Schedule | International Pizza Challenge
Monday March 23
Check-in at the IPC table after your show badge is obtained 3-4pm. Competitor meeting at 4pm in the competition area, test baking and prep permitted until 8pm.
Tuesday, March 24 (Preliminary Rounds)
Top 5 scores in each Main division will advance to Thursday finals Division
World’s Best Cheese Slice 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Traditional 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Yes
Classica 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Bacio Legacy Non-Trad 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Italian Sandwich (in WPG) 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Wednesday, March 25 (Preliminary Rounds) Division Time Finals
Non-Traditional 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Neapolitan 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Pan 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Bacio Legacy Non-Trad Finals 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Thursday, March 26
8:00 AM – 10:00 AM – Finals for all divisions
Traditional, Non-Traditional, Neapolitan, Classica, Pan, and World’s Best Cheese Slice
10:15 AM – 11:15 AM – Italian Sandwich Finals (Publicly Judged, Awards to follow Immediately)
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM – Best of the Best (Publicly Judged)
12:45 PM – 1:15 PM – Pizza Maker of the Year (Publicly Judged)
2:15 PM – 3:00 PM – Awards & Recognition
Stay up to date on the latest Pizza Expo 2026 news, visit Pizza Expo 2026: Latest News from the World’s Largest Pizza Show hub page.
