A Montreal-based chef has been named Pizza Maker of the Yr at one of many world’s largest pizza competitions held in Las Vegas.
Mirko D’Agata, govt chef of Pizzeria 900, received the highest honour on the 2026 Worldwide Pizza Problem throughout the annual Pizza Expo, which drew a whole lot of rivals from world wide, together with a big contingent from Italy.
The competitors featured greater than 730 individuals this 12 months and is taken into account the most important pizza competitors of its type.
D’Agata, initially from Turin, Italy, has lived in Montreal for 13 years. He beforehand received the Neapolitan division in 2025 earlier than taking the highest prize within the pan division this 12 months with a Roman-style pizza, impressed by the normal Italian dish ossobuco.
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The successful pizza featured slow-cooked veal, saffron risotto cream, aged parmigiano reggiano and gremolata.
D’Agata mentioned he aimed to create one thing private whereas drawing on his origins, and credited colleagues who helped him refine the recipe by means of repeated testing.
“I like to compete,” he mentioned, including that the method has all the time been a ardour.
Organizers on the occasion highlighted Canada’s sturdy efficiency this 12 months, noting a number of prime finishes throughout classes.
D’Agata mentioned he sees rising momentum for pizza tradition in Montreal and hopes the popularity encourages extra folks to view pizza-making as a long-term craft and profession.
He additionally runs what’s described as the one Neapolitan pizza course in Canada and oversees operations for 35 Pizzeria 900 places.
D’Agata hopes so as to add the award-winning pizza to Pizzeria 900 menus later this 12 months.