The World Pizza Games

Blue Ribbon Hunter traveled to Las Vegas, Nevada for the International Pizza Expo where pizzaiolos from all over the world gathered to show off their pizza making skills. We watched as pizza makers from Italy, Japan, England, and the U.S. competed in three main categories: Largest Dough Stretch, Longest Dough Spin, and Acrobatic Dough Tossing. So this is what our local pizza shops are doing on slow nights…

Blue Ribbon Hunter
Blue Ribbon Hunter


Largest Dough Stretch

During this game, pizzaiolos have five minutes to stretch an eighteen-ounce dough ball as large as they can. They can use their tables or throw it in the air and may use their hands and elbows to help them stretch the dough. Any holes larger than a dime must be patched up.

TIP: Warm dough stretches better, so find ways to warm the dough as you stretch for a competitive edge.

WINNER: Mario Sigmorile, Pizzeria Del Centro, Italy

Longest Dough Spin
Longest Dough Spin

Longest Dough Spin

In this competition, pizza makers must spin an eighteen-ounce dough above their head for as long as they possibly can. If the dough stops spinning or drops below the competitor's head, they are automatically disqualified.

TIP: Arch your back and bend your knees to lower the level of your head so you don't have to hold the dough as high. This saves the strength in your arm.

WINNER: Kazuya Akaogi, Red Japan Co., Japan

Acrobatic Dough Tossing
Acrobatic Dough Tossing

Acrobatic Dough Tossing

A huge and enthusiastic crowd gathers to watch the grand finale of the World Pizza Games as the pizzaiolos perform an acrobatic dough tossing routine set to music of their choice. Anything goes during this competition, allowing the competitors to use props and costumes if they so choose. You will see everything from blind-folded tossing, to bouncing dough off of their feet, to glow-in-the-dark costumes during this portion of the games.

TIP: Just have fun.

WINNER: Jay Schuurman, Pizza Rock, Sacramento, California