Registration is now open for the 2026 California Pizza Challenge, a pizza-making competition set to take place August 23 through August 25 during the Pizza Tomorrow Summit in Anaheim, California.
Hosted by the U.S. Pizza Team and WTWH Media, and sponsored by REAL California Milk, the competition invites pizza professionals from across the country to compete in a variety of culinary and pizza acrobatics events.
Competition categories include:
- Non-Traditional Pizza
- Pizza in the Pan
- Gluten-Free Pizza
- The 3-Cheese Challenge
- Pizza Acrobatics and Athletic Events
In addition to trophies and prizes, top competitors will have the opportunity to earn a sponsored trip to compete at an international pizza championship in Italy.
Winning pizzas and competitors will also be featured across PMQ Pizza, QSR, and FSR media platforms, offering national exposure for both the chefs and their restaurants.
According to Brian Hernandez of the U.S. Pizza Team, the competition gives pizza makers of all experience levels the opportunity to showcase their skills and gain recognition within the industry.
The California Pizza Challenge is open to qualified pizza professionals working in brick-and-mortar pizzerias, mobile pizza businesses, and pizza catering operations. Competitors also receive complimentary admission to both the Pizza Tomorrow Summit and the California Restaurant Show.
Registration is currently open, with space available on a first-come, first-served basis.