U.S. Paella Championship

THE OFFICIAL U.S.
PAELLA CHAMPIONSHIP

Inspired by the legendary World Paella Championship in Sueca, Valencia, Spain, the U.S. Paella Championship brings the excitement of professional paella competition to Miami, Florida. Held alongside the Miami Seafood Festival, this year’s event expects more than 10,000 attendees, over 200 vendors, more than 100 chefs and chef assistants, and 11 featured areas.

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Sponsors include FIU, Chef Brian Ctaering, Mariano Moreno Culinary School, Pool Spa & Billiard Store, the U.S. Gastronomy Association, and the Rioja wine region of Spain.

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Three competitions will take place: Rising Chef, Freestyle, and the U.S. Paella Championship. In the championship, 15 elite teams—each led by a chef with one or two assistants—will cook before a live audience. Guests can watch the teams in action, enjoy the aromas and traditions of Spain, and cheer as one team earns the title of U.S. Paella Champion.

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Each competition lasts two hours. A five-member panel of paella experts will evaluate the finished dishes on a 100-point scale covering rice, flavor, texture, appearance, technique, authenticity, and overall impression. The judging panel will be announced in January.

Judging is blind: judges will know each team’s cooking-station number, but not the chef’s name. If teams tie, the judges will vote again to determine the winner. See the official competition rules for details.

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After judging, winners will be announced and awards presented at the official awards ceremony.

Then it’s time to eat! Competition paella will be served to the judges first, followed by VIP guests and All-Included ticket holders, so none of it goes to waste.