Italy Sushi Cup: the best Italian sushi chef crowned with New Kenji

The event, held with the goal of crowning the best sushi chef in Italy, took place on Friday, May 28 in Vercelli, inside the professional kitchens of Ciofs. The choice of location was far from random – it was a deeply symbolic link between Italian and Japanese culture: Vercelli is known for its historic rice tradition and is widely regarded as the “European Capital of Rice.” Mundi Riso, a Vercelli-based rice mill with over 30 years of experience, plays a key role in reinforcing this connection, alongside its 100% Italian sushi rice brand, New Kenji, the Main Sponsor of the competition.

Following two days of professional training to earn the Sushi Proficiency Certificate, the Italy Sushi Cup brought together eight of the most skilled sushi chefs in the country, who competed across five complex challenges. Each competitor was evaluated on sushi technique, knowledge of traditional styles, hygiene standards and the creativity of their personal style. The prestigious judging panel was led by Yamazaki Gentaro, representing WSSI, and included: Hirazawa Minoru, the “legendary” founder of Japanese cuisine in Italy; Alon Than, Polish winner of the 2015 World Sushi Cup; Junko Kawada, Belgian sushi chef and certified international judge; Julian Constantine, Romanian finalist of the 2017 World Sushi Cup.

Their discerning assessments led to the crowning of Gianni Fernando as champion – a Sri Lankan-born chef active between Naples and France, who also received various prizes, including a supply of New Kenji Premium Sushi Rice.

Fernando will now represent Italy in the World Sushi Cup 2025 finals, set to be held in Tokyo this August. Silver went to Clayton Kawamura, a sushi instructor with years of experience in Brazilian and Venetian kitchens, while bronze went to John Pahilanag, a Filipino chef living and working in Calabria.

An honorable mention was given to all other finalists: Dario Albanese, Sicilian restaurateur; Ricardo Trois, Sardinian Head Sushi Chef; Volodomir Klok, Ukrainian-born restaurateur based in Naples; Paolo Ravera, Piedmontese sushi chef and sake sommelier; and Juan Pablo Moretti, from the Marche region. Their skill was recognized with official certificates and several special awards offered by the sponsors.

This international event took place in the presence of numerous dignitaries, including the Consul General of Japan in Milan, and representatives of Italian institutions such as: Carlo Riva Vercellotti, Councilor of the Piedmont Region; Davide Gilardino, President of the Province of Vercelli; and Roberto Scheda, Mayor of the City of Vercelli. All of them acted as official patrons of the Sushi Cup, alongside Jetro, Japan External Trade Organization. Special guest of the day: Natalia Bobba, President of Ente Risi. At the center of the event were top-quality and professionalism, core values for a company like Mundi Riso.