Pizza Today pulls together the hottest news coming out of the World’s Largest Pizza Show in 2025 for pizzeria owners, operators and the pizza industry
To keep everyone up to date on all the news and conversations surrounding Pizza Expo 2025, Pizza Today has compiled this definitive hub for the topic. As we gear up for the biggest and best pizza show ever, we will keep you up to date on the latest news about Pizza Expo 2025. We will also continue to bring you coverage from the Las Vegas Convention Center during the pizza show with updates, pizza competition results and more.
Bookmark this page to stay connected with all the updates, happenings and competition information leading up to Pizza Expo 2025. See you at Pizza Expo 2025 on March 25-27, 2025.
If you would like to review all Pizza Expo 2024 news, visit Pizza Expo 2024: All News from the World’s Largest Pizza Show hub page.
Check out the latest pizza trends, hot pizza styles, top pizza toppings, pizzeria labor market, restaurant marketing and pizza industry insights in our 2025 Pizza Industry Trends Report
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Official International Pizza Challenge winners have been posted
Check out winners with pizzerias and locations from all five divisions (Traditional, Non-Traditional, Neapolitan/STG, Pan and World’s Best Cheese Slice). Winners included first, second and third places in each division as well as regional Top 3 in Traditional, Non-Tradition and World’s Best Cheese Slice. International Pizza Challenge also award a Pizza Maker of Year Champion and Best of the Best Champion. Go to Official Results.
Pizza Today Features 2025 Pizza Champions
We’re getting all the details on the International Pizza Challenge from our 2025 Pizza Champions, including what was on their winning pizzas. Check out the following features:
2025 Pizza Maker of the Year is Ryan Ososky, DTown Pizzeria in Los Angeles, California
Ryan Ososky presents his Pizza Maker of the Year Championship winning pizza to the judges at the International Pizza Challenge during Pizza Expo in Las Vegas. Photo courtesy of DTown Pizzeria.
International Pizza Challenge Names Tony Cerimele ‘Best of the Best’ at Pizza Expo 2025
Tony Cerimele shows off his Best of the Best trophy and award-winning pizza at Pizza Expo 2025.
Puerto Rico’s Wilhelm Rodriguez Wins Traditional Division at International Pizza Challenge
Wilhelm Rodriguez presents his award-winning pie at the 2025 International Pizza Challenge.
Mirko D’Agate, Pizzeria No. 900 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, wins Best Pizza Napoletana at International Pizza Challenge
Montreal’s Pizzeria No. 900 team mates hoist Mirko D’Agate on their shoulders in celebration of Mirko winning the Pizza Napoletana Division at the International Pizza Challenge during Pizza Expo in Las Vegas. Photo courtesy of Pizzeria No. 900.
Chris Ostapenko from Slice on Broadway in Pittsburgh wins World’s Best Cheese Slice
Chris Ostapenko of Slice on Broadway in Pittsburgh celebrates his World’s Best Cheese Slice Championship win with team mates at International Pizza Challenge at Pizza Expo in Las Vegas. Photo courtesy of Slice on Broadway.
Champions have been crowned in International Pizza Challenge
Stay tuned for all the official International Pizza Challenge final details. Please be patient as we travel back to our homes. For now. let’s highlight the division winners. Congratulations to the following champions in the International Pizza Challenge:
- Traditional
Wilhelm Rodriquez, Papas Pizza, Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico - Non-Traditional
Leo Dicesaris, Cerrone’s Brick Oven Pizzeria, Columbus, Georgia - Neapolitan
Mirko D’Agata, Pizzeria NO. 900, Montreal, QC, Canada - Pan
Ryan Ososky, DTown Pizzeria, Los Angeles, California - World’s Best Cheese Slice
Chris Ostapenko, Slice on Broadway, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania - Best of the Best
Tony Cerimele, New Columbus Pizza Co., Pittston, Pennsylvania - Pizza Maker of the Year
Ryan Ososky, DTown Pizzeria, Los Angeles, California
See more results and watch the Winners Announcement in International Pizza Challenge 2025 Daily Results.
World Pizza Games Winners Announced at Pizza Expo 2025
Competitors stretch dough and fold pizza boxes Thursday during the 2025 World Pizza Games at Pizza Expo.
Curious who is the fastest pizza box folder in the west? The performer with the most acrobatic dough skills? Who can create the largest dough stretch in five minutes? Well, the wait is over.
The results of the 2025 World Pizza Games are now live. Find out if your friends are in the winner’s circle by checking out the list of winners right here.
Not sure what the World Pizza Games are all about? We have a primer that explains the rules for each category and what the judges consider when making a ruling.
Camporosso Owner Credits Purpose and Culture for Success
Eric Redfield gives the keynote address Wednesday during Pizza Expo 2025.
“You don’t have to look out for these grand programs. If you look out for your staff, it’s amazing what that will do,” Camporosso pizzeria owner Eric Redfield says. He shared these and other tips during a keynote address Wednesday at Pizza Expo 2025.
“Out of all the good that we have done looking out for the greater good, what has resonated the most – and where we have gotten the most buzz and probably the most credit – is when we take care of our staff,” Redfield says. Learn more of his takeaways here.
International Pizza Challenge 2025 Daily Results
We are bringing you results as we receive them from the International Pizza Challenge and the International Italian Sandwich Championship at Pizza Expo 2025. This year’s International Pizza Challenge 5 divisions: Traditional, Non-Traditional, Neapolitan/STG, Pan, & World’s Best Cheese Slice, which will be represented in the pizza bake-off that will showcase the world’s best pizza makers. Check out daily results from the International Pizza Challenge!
Watch the Highlights From Pizza Expo Day 1!
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Sarah Minnick Gives Inspiring Keynote Speech at Pizza Expo
Sarah Minnick gives the keynote address at Pizza Expo 2025. (Photo by Emerald)
Part historical narrative, part motivational speech, the Pizza Expo 2025 keynote address by Sarah Minnick, co-owner and operator of Portland, Oregon-based pizzeria Lovely’s 50-50 outlines her journey from art student moonlighting at a student-run café to being named a semifinalist for the James Beard Awards.
Learn more about her wide-ranging discussion about finding food suppliers and converting her wood-fired operation to an electrical deck pizza oven. And don’t forget to join your peers for Eric Redfield’s keynote address on Wednesday!
Let Nick Bogacz help you get hyped up for Pizza Expo
Let Nick Bogacz help you get hyped up for Pizza ExpoFor our last episode of The Hot Slice Podcast with Pizza Today before we head to Pizza Expo, we brought on Pizza Expo workshop presenter and speaker Nick Bogacz, who is founder of Caliente Pizza & Draft House in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Nick is bringing 13 Caliente team members with him. Don’t miss the Show Notes where he shares the Impact Primer he has his team complete before the show. Listen now.
Best Ways to Network at Pizza Expo
Best Ways to Network at Pizza ExpoWhether this is your first Pizza Expo or 10th, networking is paramount to your Pizza Expo experience. We count down some of the best opportunities to meet fellow pizza pros at the world’s largest pizza show. Check out 10 Networking Tips for Pizza Expo.
World Pizza Games Return to Pizza Expo 2025
World Pizza Games brings sport and pizza, and some breakdancing, together for three days of competition and a one-night block party. Pizza pros from around the world will battle for first place in Fastest Pizza Box Folding, Fastest Dough, Largest Dough Stretch, Freestyle Acrobatic Dough-Tossing and a Pizza Triathlon. Will a record be broken this year? Find out more about the WPG schedule, previous winners and more. Read Pizza Industry Prepares for ‘Homecoming,’ the World Pizza Games & Block Party.
Pizza Expo Speakers weigh in on Top Business Concerns
In a March feature in Pizza Today Magazine, five Pizza Expo speakers contribute a roundtable discussion of key issues — from rising costs, inflation and supply chain issues to tariffs, labor issues — facing pizzerias in the U.S. right now. They include: Tyler Carlson, TyMark Restaurant Group in Westerly, Rhode Island; Leah Scurto, Pizzaleah in Windsor, California; Melinda Carbajal, Simply Pizza Truck & Catering in Denver, Colorado; Nicole Bean, Pizaro’s Pizza in Houston, Texas; and George Panagopoulos, Dedham House of Pizza in Dedham, Massachusetts. Read the feature.
The Hot Slice Podcast airs The Pizza Expo Preview Show
The Hot Slice Podcast airs The Pizza Expo Preview ShowThe team at Pizza Today brings you the Pizza Expo Preview Show on The Hot Slice Podcast. In this episode, we talk Show Overview, Keynote Addresses, Show Schedule, Education Sessions, Competitions, Networking Events and Announcements.
Listen to the Pizza Expo Preview Show now.
Your Guide to International Pizza Expo 2025
From a keynote address by James Beard-nominated chef Sarah Minnick to a pizza-inspired acrobatics performance by staff of The NONA Slice House, International Pizza Expo 2025 has everything veteran and novice pizzeria owners could want in a conference and more. Now in its 41st year, Pizza Expo returns March 25-27 to the Las Vegas Convention Center.
“Every style of pizza known to mankind” will be on display during Pizza Expo, according to Show Director Bill Oakley. With more than 10,000 attendees and 500 vendors showcasing everything from whole-milk mozzarella to wood-fired ovens, Pizza Expo draws pizza makers as well as food and equipment vendors from all over the world.
Need more details? We’ve packaged everything you need to know in one handy guide.
What to Expect at Pizza Expo 2025
We have the answer. Watch:
Pizza Expo 2025 Mobile App is Live!
Pizza Expo 2025 Mobile App is Live!The Pizza Expo 2025 Mobile App is now available for download. This year’s Pizza Expo 2025 Show Guide has gone digital! While the March issue of Pizza Today includes Pizza Expo-specific features, the Pizza Expo Show Guide is now on the Pizza Expo app. It is THE guide to help you shape your Pizza Expo experience. This year’s app has all the interactive bells and whistles for you to tailor your trip to you. Get the App.
Eric and Amy Redfield, owners, Camporosso, Ft. Mitchell, Kentucky
Eric Redfield to deliver Day 2 Keynote Address at International Pizza Expo
Eric Redfield, co-owner of Pizza Today’s 2024 Pizzeria of the Year Camporosso Wood Fired Pizzeria in Ft. Mitchell, Kentucky, tapped to deliver Day 2 Keynote Address at International Pizza Expo. Find out more about Eric Redfield.
Think you have what it takes to be an International Pizza Challenge Judge?
As Pizza Expo draws near, International Pizza Challenge organizers are solidify 2025 judges. We are now accepting open applications for judges to serve in 2025 competitions. Your application will be reviewed by IPC judging staff, who will reach out regarding next steps by February 12. IPC will accept 10 new judges this year, who will be invited to register for a required orientation meeting. Complete the application.
Deborah St. Clair from Carota’s Pizza in Augusta, Ky. won a Hobart® Legacy+® HL662 pizza dough mixer at the International Pizza Expo. Photo Courtesy of Hobart
Hobart to Give Away Custom-Designed Mixer at Pizza Expo 2025
Commercial food equipment manufacturer Hobart will give away a custom-designed Legacy+® HL662 pizza dough mixer at the International Pizza Expo held March 25-27 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
Show attendees can enter for a chance to win the mixer, valued at $35,000, at booth No. 11,403 beginning at 10 a.m. PST on Tuesday, March 25. One entry is allowed per attendee.
Hobart will randomly select a winner from entries at the booth on Thursday, March 27, at approximately 12:30 p.m. PST. Attendees do not need to be present to win.
Register now for Pizza Expo 2025!
Sarah Minnick, Owner of Lovely’s Fifty Fifty in Portland, Oregon.
Photo Courtesy of Lovely’s Fifty Fifty
Sarah Minnick, Chef and Owner of Lovely’s Fifty Fifty to deliver Tuesday Keynote Address at Pizza Expo
Mark your calendar! Award-winning chef and restaurateur Sarah Minnick will kick off Pizza Expo with a keynote address on Tuesday, March 25 at 8:15 am PST. Sarah operates the Lovely Hula Hands and Lovely’s Fifty Fifty restaurants in Portland, Oregon. She is also a 2024 James Beard Foundation Outstanding Chef nominee and a semi-finalist in the 2020 Best Chef Northwest and Pacific category. Sarah was featured on the Netflix Series ‘Chefs Table: Pizza’.
Learn more about Sarah Minnick.
Could you be the next World Champion Pizza Maker?
Tony Cerimele, owner of New Columbus Pizza Company, in Nesquehoning, Pennsylvania, is named the 2024 World Champion Pizza Maker of the Year at the International Pizza Challenge during Pizza Expo in Las Vegas.
Splendid sauce? Terrific toppings? Crème de la crust? The International Pizza Challenge is calling on members of the pizza industry to compete for the title of World Champion Pizza Maker 2025. The IPC takes place March 25-27 at the Las Vegas Convention Center during International Pizza Expo.
Participants must be registered Pizza Expo attendees, and pizzerias can enter one competitor for each of the IPC’s five categories: Traditional, Non-Traditional, Neapolitan, Pan and World’s Best Cheese Slice.
Learn how to participate in the International Pizza Challenge and register now for Pizza Expo 2025. May the best pie win!
The Drop on Pizza Expo Competition Updates with Jeremy Galvin
The Drop on Pizza Expo Competition Updates with Jeremy GalvinCALLING ALL PIZZA EXPO COMPETITORS! Listen to Jeremy Galvin talk Pizza Expo Competition Updates on The Hot Slice Podcast with Pizza Today. The International Pizza Challenge at Pizza Expo 2025 is set to be the biggest and best pizza competition. Executive Editor Denise Greer went one-on-one with Jeremy Galvin, who along with Michael LaMarca oversee the competitions.
A Look at Competitions at International Pizza Expo 2025 in Las Vegas
Show Director Bill Oakley outlines updates to the world-class competitions that take place at Pizza Expo. He says, “If you are motivated by self-achievement and a desire to be the best, you should enter one of our world-class competitions. I like to think that healthy levels of competition can improve your self-esteem and increase enjoyment of life and work in general, not to mention the positive impact it will have on your bottom line.” Read his Expo Spotlight on the competitions.
NOTE: If you plan to compete, register now before spots fill up. Register now for Pizza Expo 2025!
Making Pizzas with Master Instructors Will Grant and Graziano Bertuzzo
Will Grant gives a sneak peek of what’s in store for attendees of the pizza making workshop on Tuesday, March 25 at Pizza Expo 2025. Space is limited. The fee-based workshop can be added to attendee registration. See more on the workshop in the Education Schedule.
Sign Up for Pizza Expo 2025 Early and Save!
Sign Up for Pizza Expo 2025 Early and Save!Early bird gets the savings! Save $105 off onsite pricing when you take advantage of the Early Bird Rate before December 31st. Registering early also allows you to sign up for competitions in the International Pizza Challenge and World Pizza Games before spots fill up and you go on the waitlist.
Go to the registration now and save!
Pizza Expo 2025 Registration is Live
In its 41st year, International Pizza Expo returns to Las Vegas on March 25-27, 2025 at Las Vegas Convention Center – West Exhibit Hall. Attendees can take advantage of hundreds of top suppliers, exclusive educational opportunities, world-class competitions, and the unmatched opportunity to connect with your pizza community. Check out more on the show schedule.
