
We're excited to see the field of competitors who have already won their golden ticket and registered to compete at the 2025 World Food Championships. And we are always proud to announce our special guests and celebrity judges participating in our judging events across the nation - we're sure the championship food certainly helps! Best of luck to our 2025 competitors!

COMPETITOR
Coast Guard
HEAD COOK: Pablo Aquije
COMPETITION: World Chef Championship
Pablo Aquije, a U.S. Coast Guard Culinary Specialist Second Class, blends his Peruvian and Puerto Rican heritage with classical French training to bring fine-dining techniques and cultural flavors to his cooking. Raised in Coamo, Puerto Rico, with both Peruvian and Puerto Rican roots that shaped his passion for food from an early age. Influenced by the distinct flavors and traditions of his grandmothers’ kitchens, he pursued a career in the culinary arts, gaining eight years of experience in restaurants and hotels, including classical French training at On20 in Hartford, Connecticut.