Four Welsh chefs competing in Global Chefs Challenge Finals on home soil
Four Welsh chefs carry the hopes of the Home Nations in the Global Chefs Challenge Finals at the 41st biennial Worldchefs Congress & Expo 2026 at ICC Wales, Newport, from today (Saturday) until Tuesday.
Will Richards, 33, from Llanharry, an ILS catering tutor at Bridgend College, is competing in the Global Pastry Chefs Challenge final today, supported by commis chef Mali Leese from Llechwen Hall near Nelson.
The final lasts for eight and a half hours and tests pastry chefs’ skills to the limit. Will and Mali are making sugar and chocolate showpieces on a castles and dragons theme, a layered chocolate cake and six portions of plated restaurant style dessert, presented at the end in a buffet display.
Tomorrow, it’s the turn of Sam Everton, 26, from Llangeler, Llandysul, supported by commis chef, Tyler Richardson from Y Seler, Aberaeron, in the Global Chefs Challenge final. They will be competing against 15 of the world’s best chefs.
Sam is a catering lecturer at Coleg Ceredigion, works part-time at Yr Hen Printworks, Cardigan and has recently launched his own private dining business.
On Monday, Ryan Jones, 42, executive chef at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, compete in the Global Vegan Chefs Challenge final, supported by commis chef and workmate, Emilie Cote-Lebofsky.
Ryan, from Maesteg, works for Aramark, while Carys was named Springboard Chef of the Year last year. They will have three hours to prepare, cook and serve up their dishes.
The quartet of Welsh finalists is completed by Calum Smith, head chef for Independents by Sodexo at Shrewsbury School, who will compete in the Global Young Chef final on Tuesday.
He will be putting his culinary skills to the test against seven rivals and they will have three hours to cook a three-course meal for four people to a challenging brief.
Hosted by World Association of Chefs’ Societies (Worldchefs) in partnership with the Culinary Association of Wales (CAW), the Worldchefs Congress & Expo 2026 is being held in the UK for the first time in its 98-year history, with around 800 delegates expected to attend.
The CAW is a member of the Home Nations, alongside the Panel of Chefs Ireland, Federation of Chefs Scotland and The British Culinary Federation. Therefore, the Welsh chefs are not only representing Wales but also flying the flag for the Home Nations.
CAW president Arwyn Watkins, OBE, is calling on spectators to turn out in force to cheer on the Welsh finalists.
Entry to finals and Expo is free of charge and people can either register in advance at www.miceconciergeme.com/wce2026/registration/Site/Register or on the day at the desk.
For the full range of paid packages for visitors wishing to attend the Worldchefs Congress visit www.worldchefscongress.org/register/ .
Picture caption:
Calum Smith who will be competing in the Global Young Chef final on Tuesday.
Ryan Jones, Global Vegan Chefs Challenge finalist on Monday.
Will Richards and Mali Leese, who are competing in the Global Pastry Chefs Challenge final today.
Sam Everton who will competing in the Global Chefs Challenge final on Sunday.
