History (2024)

The history of WCM

How we got here

For 2 decades, we’ve been bringing together the most talented chocolate chefs and artisans from all around the world. Together, we’re on a mission to advance and celebrate innovation with chocolate. Each of the 9 past competition cycles offered the many contestants opportunities to learn, grow, and push the boundaries of their creative and professional skills. Each of the competition cycles has culminated in a World Final, where the best of the best have been awarded the title of ‘World Chocolate Master’ by an international jury of industry leaders.

World Chocolate Master 2022

Lluc Crusellas – Spain

Lluc Crusellas won over not just the hearts of the judges, but also of the viewers at home who awarded him with the public #WOW award for his Elephant of Hope – an impressive chocolate sculpture weighing more than 170 kg. Innovation, creativity and attention to detail were Lluc’s secret weapons. He presented for instance a brioche with zero sugar by using a scientifically developed enzyme. An amazing innovation that took the judges by surprise.

“Amid fierce competition, the title of World Chocolate Master that Crusellas will be taking home is a tribute to the skill, ingenuity and vision he has shown throughout the final”, Head of the jury Amaury Guichon explained. “With the limited time, taking the risks he took were adventurous, but it set him apart from the competition.”

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Winner

Lluc Crusellas

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Second place

Antoine Carréric

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Third place

Nicolas Nikolakopoulos

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World Chocolate Master 2018

Elias Läderach – Switzerland

With his mindful, calm and striking attention to detail – even under pressure – Elias impressed the jury. He showed innovation without hesitation and what’s more: efficiency in realising his ideas. He also showcased a clear, powerful concept that the jury could recognise in every assignment.

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Winner

Elias Läderach

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Second place

Yoann Laval

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Third place

Florent Cheveau

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World Chocolate Master 2015

Vincent Vallée – France

Vincent is 100% perseverance. Once he puts his mind to a creative idea, he grabs onto until the very last second. What surprised the jury members most were his bold, straightforward flavours round after round.

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Winner

Vincent Vallée

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Second place

Hisashi Onobayashi

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Third place

Marijn Coertjens

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World Chocolate Master 2013

Davide Comaschi – Italy

Davide: A passionate chef from the land of Michelango with a fascination for triangular shapes. This humble yet incredibly dedicated craftsman stunned the jury with his vision, skill and unbeatable sense of perfection.

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Winner

Davide Comaschi

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Second place

Marike van Beurden

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Third place

Deniz Karaca

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World Chocolate Master 2011

Frank Haasnoot – The Netherlands

An enfant terrible with no rules. Frank loves to shake things up, but he does it with such incredible style, charisma and class. This makes him one of the leading pastry chefs in the world.

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Winner

Frank Haasnoot

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Second place

Yoshiaka Uerzaki

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Third place

Palle Sørensen

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World Chocolate Master 2009

Shigeo Hirai – Japan

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Winner

Shigeo Hirai

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Second place

Lionel Clement

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Third place

Michaela Karg

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World Chocolate Master 2007

Naomi Mizuno – Japan

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Winner

Naomi Mizuno

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Second place

Yvonnick Le Maux

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Third place

Carmelo Sciampagna

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World Chocolate Master 2005

Pol Deschepper – België

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Winner

Pol Deschepper

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Second place

Fabrizio Galla

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Third place

Kouichi Izumi

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History (2024)
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