Mirko D’Agata crowned World Champion of Neapolitan Pizza in Las Vegas

It is a tremendous source of pride for No.900! Mirko D’Agata, Executive Chef of No.900 and Morso pizzerias, has won the prestigious world champion title in the Neapolitan Pizza category at the International Pizza Challenge, whose final took place on Thursday in Las Vegas.

Here is an excerpt from the article written by the Tastet team, who accompanied us throughout the competition to document this unique experience.

A well-deserved victory

After years of hard work and constant refinement, Mirko has finally claimed the coveted first place. “I am really, really very proud and very grateful. I think that all the hard work eventually pays off,” he said, visibly moved after his victory.

During the qualifying rounds, he ranked 4th among more than a hundred participants. Only the top five in each category advanced to the finals. It was his marinara pizza that won over the judges and earned him the top spot on the podium.

An exceptional journey

This achievement is the result of many years of dedication. “My first competition in Las Vegas in the Neapolitan category was in 2017. I placed fifth. Then we took second place in 2019 and first place in the Roman category in Naples. We were always in the top 10, but we were missing that win,” Mirko explains.

A united and talented team

Mirko was not alone on this journey. Fiodar Huminski, No.900’s Head of Research and Development, also shone by reaching the finals in the Traditional American category, where he earned an impressive third place with his New York–style pizza.

Simon Melki, pizzaiolo at the No.900 Monkland location, and Samuel Goddard Gauthier, owner-operator of No.900 Bromont, also delivered strong performances, ranking 22nd in the Pan Pizza category and 10th in the Non-Traditional category, respectively.

“I am extremely proud to share this experience with my team and to pass on some of my know-how to the younger recruits,” Mirko says.

Global recognition

For Alexandre Brunet, co-founder of No.900, this victory represents a major milestone. Present at the competition to support the team, he highlights the importance of the championship: “It’s like winning the Olympics of pizza! The best pizzaiolos in the world compete here, and the organization is a real race against the clock.”

Other Canadians were also competing, such as Sébastien Cappellano and Alex Morangelli from the bakery-pizzeria Non Solo Pane, as well as Selim Dahmane, a former member of the Toqué! restaurant now based in Vancouver. Although he did not achieve the result he had hoped for, the latter says he is motivated to try again next year.

An adventure to watch closely

This is only the beginning for No.900! Tastet conducted an interview with Mirko after his victory, and a documentary mini-series on this event will be released soon, offering an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at this prestigious competition.

Stay tuned to discover this unique immersion into the world of the best pizzaiolos in the world!