1st place
Paolo Cini
IE KOJI SAKABA
ITALY
4th Edition
First European edition
ITAMAE Balfegó 2026, IV edition.Where the world crowns its Sushi Master
Professional Sushi Championship
Best Sushi Chef in Europe
Balfegó Bluefin Tuna
10 finalists
International Jury
28.09.2026
Results · 4th edition
Paolo Cini, Europe’s best sushi chef
Paolo Cini, from IE Koji Sakaba (Italy), won the 4th edition of ITAMAE Balfegó, the first European one. Completing the podium were Chi Tam Phan, from Sushi Bar by Goma (France), and Heung Chul Han, from Juno Omakase (United Kingdom).
2nd place
Chi Tam Phan
SUSHI BAR BY GOMA
FRANCE
3rd place
Heung Chul Han
JUNO OMAKASE
UNITED KINGDOM
Highlights
The 4th edition, in pictures
Awards ceremony, September 28, 2026
Paolo Cini, during the competition
Heung Chul Han, third place
The jury
About ITAMAE?
ITAMAE (from the Japanese 板前, “in front of the cutting board”)
ITAMAE Balfegó is the professional sushi championship that seeks to recognize the best sushi chef in Europe.
A celebration of Japanese cuisine based on technique, precision, creativity, and respect for the product, with Balfegó bluefin tuna taking center stage.
Technique
Gijutsu
Precision
Seikaku
Creativity
Sōzō
Respect
Keii
The 4th edition
The first European edition
For the first time, ITAMAE opened its call for entries to the best active sushi chefs from across Europe.
10 finalists competed to become the best sushi chef in Europe, before a top-tier international jury.
Discover the ITAMAE Universe- IV
- Edition
- 10
- Finalists
- 7
- Jury
The venue
A stage that lives up to expectations
28.09.2026
L'Ametlla de Mar · Tarragona
The first European edition of ITAMAE took place at Balfegó’s newly inaugurated facilities—the most advanced ones dedicated to bluefin tuna.
A unique space that brings together innovation, technology, and excellence centered around an exceptional product, and which served as the setting for this gathering of the best sushi chefs in Europe.
Previous editions
Awards ceremony
Before the jury
Taiko at the gala
The Day
Everything that happened at ITAMAE
A day dedicated to sushi, gastronomy, and excellence, featuring a competition, workshops, and other experiences.
14:00
The competition
Two challenges before the jury: sashimi and nigiri skills, and a creative maki dish featuring Balfegó bluefin tuna.
14:00 – 20:00
Workshops
Technical sessions on the product and Japanese food culture, held during the competition.
Starting at 20:00
Gala and awards ceremony
Announcement of Europe's Best Sushi Chef and presentation of the ITAMAE Balfegó Trophy.
Next edition
See you in 2027
The 5th edition of ITAMAE Balfegó will take place in 2027; the date is yet to be confirmed. Follow our social media channels to stay up to date with the latest news.