The World Chocolate Masters, the premier global competition for chocolate artistry and innovation, has officially announced that its 2026 Grand Final will take place on October 26–27 in Antwerp, Belgium. Marking the first time since its founding in 2005 that the global event will be hosted outside of Paris, the Grand Final will transform Antwerp’s iconic Handelsbeurs into the global epicenter of pastry and confectionery design.
Organised by Callebaut, the 2026 Grand Final brings together 15 regional champions who earned their places through rigorous global qualifiers. Over two intense days, these chefs will compete in a high-stakes culinary showcase that defines the global chocolate trends of tomorrow.
Ian Mark, a chef with 18 years of experience competing on culinary teams, including winning numerous gold medals and accolades, for Bake Off: Crème de la Crème and creating the official RAF centenary cake, will be representing the UK and Ireland at this year’s global final.
A historic stage for chocolate innovation
For this 9th edition, Callebaut selected Antwerp’s historic Handelsbeurs as the venue – the world’s first purpose-built commodity exchange, originally constructed in the 16th century. Widely celebrated as the historic birthplace of global commerce, this neo-Gothic architectural jewel features soaring vaulted arcades and historic canvas world maps. The venue naturally mirrors Antwerp’s centuries-old legacy as the international crossroads where cocoa was first imported, traded, and elevated into world-class craftsmanship.
“Antwerp has a long and sweet history, and an even sweeter future,” says Els van Doesburg, Mayor of Antwerp. “More than any other city, we can lay claim to the title of ‘Chocolate Capital’: with our port being the largest distribution centre of cacao and with the country’s first chocolate factory that was built right here. With the World Chocolate Masters coming to our city, we can finally celebrate and showcase that past, pride and craftmanship to the world.”
“Bringing this prestigious competition here highlights our city’s enduring appeal as a top-tier culinary destination,” adds Koen Kennis, Alderman for Tourism. “Chocolate is woven deeply into the fabric of our local tourism experience, and we look forward to welcoming the global pastry community to discover everything Antwerp has to offer.”
“Play & Taste”: Defining the future of healthy indulgence
This edition’s central theme, “Play & Taste,” challenges finalists to reimagine chocolate as an interactive, emotional, and sensory experience. Contestants will explore avant-garde techniques, unexpected flavor pairings, and fresh, less-processed ingredients that directly address the growing demand for “healthy indulgence”- a key macro trend currently reshaping the global pastry landscape.
To claim the title of World Chocolate Master and follow in the footsteps of 2022 champion Lluc Crusellas (Spain), chefs will compete across five distinct culinary challenges. These range from crafting fresh chocolate cakes expressing movement and bespoke bonbons paying homage to local heritage, to engineering monumental, high-concept chocolate sculptures designed for both taste and visual storytelling.
