January 2028 as Tigep World in Rimini, Italy. Please check the gelatoworldcup.com website for the latest updates on the next competition.

The road to Gelato World Cup 2028 concerns with the upcoming continental selections:
Gelato World Cup Asia Selection – SIGEP Asia, Singapore (15–17 July 2026)
Gelato World Cup Europe Selection – SIGEP WORLD, Rimini, Italy (January 2027)
Gelato World Cup America Selection – Buenos Aires, Argentina (June 2027).

Professional gelato chefs and artisans from accredited gelato businesses or schools are eligible to compete. Each participant must register through the official website and meet competition requirements. he road to the Gelato World Cup World Final is a journey of talent, strategy, and teamwork. To enter the most prestigious competition in artisan gelato worldwide, each country must go through a series of selections and training programs that highlight excellence and celebrate national culinary identity.
Each team is made up of a gelato chef, a pastry chef, and a chef, guided by the vision and experience of a Team Manager. A multidisciplinary team capable of turning technique, creativity, and flavor into true works of art.
Only one team per country can advance to the Gelato World Cup World Selections. The journey begins with national selections, where the best professionals compete to represent their country. Winners then move on to the continental selections in Europe, the Americas, and Asia — an even more competitive stage that determines who will earn a spot in the World Final.
The ultimate goal is the Gelato World Cup World Final at SIGEP 2028, where qualified teams will compete before an international jury and a global audience, celebrating the very best in artisan gelato.
Are you ready to represent your country and write the next chapter in Gelato World Cup history? Contact us now: segreteria@gelatoworldcup.com

Gelato e Cultura Srl has been organizing the Gelato World Cup for over twenty years and is the owner of the trademark. It is a biennial event, now in its eleventh edition, bringing together the 12 finalist teams selected through a series of national and international competitions that lead to the final, attracting teams, staff, and food and beverage journalists from all over the world.
The event takes place within SIGEP WORLD, produced by I.E.G. Italian Exhibition Group, the most important global event dedicated to pastry, gelato, bakery, pizza, and coffee.
The next edition will be held at the Rimini Exhibition Centre in January 2028.
The mission of the Gelato World Cup is to celebrate the global excellence of artisan gelato rooted in Italian tradition and training, contribute to the development of professional skills in the culinary arts, and promote friendship and collaboration among nations. In this context, Gelato e Cultura has always been committed to promoting the territories of origin, as they represent a reservoir of ingredients, local raw materials, and culinary traditions that are fundamental in producing high-quality artisanal products.

All ages are welcome! Children under a certain age (usually 12) may be free or discounted—please check ticketing details on sigep.it

Yes, designated parking areas are available. Information about parking passes and public transport options is listed under Visitor Information on sigep.it

Judges evaluate based on taste, texture, creativity, presentation, and technical skill. Each category has specific judging criteria, detailed on the Competition Guidelines page. Results will evaluated by three juries:
the Artistic Jury, composed of the Team Managers, who evaluate the aesthetic and decorative aspects, and the two non-voting Jury Presidents;
the Technical Jury, composed of professionals from the WORLD ASSOCIATION OF CHEFS SOCIETIES – WORLDCHEFS, who evaluate aspects related to taste and texture;
and the Press Jury, composed of five international food and wine journalists, who will award a special prize for the gastronomic gourmet gelato entrée competition.
To ensure the smooth running of the competition, we have the Control Committee and the Race Stewards, who will monitor the field throughout the 4 days.

Yes! Selected competition areas are open to the public, allowing attendees to observe the creation process and interact with contestants. The competition is also on streaming on the instagram page @gelatoworldcup

Yes, sponsorship packages are available for businesses wishing to partner with the event. Details are listed under Sponsorship Opportunities.

Some travel agencies offer Gelato World Cup travel packages that include tickets, tours, and accommodations. Check Sigep WorldTravel Partners section for details on sigep.it.

Yes, flights (economy class) and hotel stays are arranged and covered by the organization.

Yes, with prior notice, and reimbursements up to €1,000 per team are possible with valid receipts.

Subscribe to our newsletter or follow us on social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter) for the latest updates.

You can reach our team via the Contact Page or email segreteria@gelatoworldcup.com.

The event was created to promote professionalism, innovation, and cultural exchange in artisan gelato, responding to a growing need for higher training standards and stronger communication in the sector.

Key figures included Pierpaolo Magni, Luciana Polliotti, Alfio Tarateta, Eliseo Tonti and Giancarlo Timballo, supported by renowned experts such as Iginio Massari and Gabriel Paillasson.

These nations have participated before at a Gelato World Cup (based on historical records and albo d’oro lists):
Argentina — Appears repeatedly (e.g., 2003, 2006, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2020, 2024)

Belgio (Belgium) — Present in early editions (e.g., 2003)

Cina (China) — Competed in 2024 edition

Francia (France) — A long-time participant and multiple champion

Italia (Italy) — Consistent competitor and multiple champion

Giappone (Japan) — Appeared multiple times (e.g., 2003, 2012, 2016, 2018, 2020, 2024)

Messico (Mexico) — Participated before (e.g., 2016, 2018, 2020, 2024)

Perù (Peru) — Competed in recent editions (including 2024)

Polonia (Poland) — Seen in many past events (2003, 2006, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018, etc.)

Challenges include fruit mystery box, gelato cake, monoportions, sticks, snacks, gourmet entrée, artistic sculptures, and the final grand buffet.

It is the final presentation displaying all works produced during the competition.

The automated software was developed with specialized engineers and reflects over 20 years of international competition experience, improving security and reliability in judging.

Yes, the automated scoring software is licensed by Gelato e Cultura for use in other gelato competitions.

Each team includes three professionals plus a Team Manager.

Yes, replacements are allowed for documented reasons and must be approved by Management.

Participants must be citizens of the country they represent or have worked there for at least five years.

Management may admit additional teams through special wild card invitations.

A Control Committee including organizers, jury presidents, commissaries, and a notary makes final decisions.

The winners are named “Champion of the Gelato World Cup 2026” until the next edition.

Yes, official photos will be published on the website and available for download in low resolution.