YCO 2026
The atmosphere at the IIHM Global Campus on the evening of 4 February was electric with emotion as Dr. Suborno Bose, Chairman of the IIHM International Young Chef Olympiad, stepped forward to set the stage for the much-awaited winners’ announcements of YCO 2026. What followed was a sequence of moments that perfectly captured the soul of the Olympiad—cheers of triumph, tears of joy, and stunned silence from young chefs who had travelled from across the world in pursuit of a shared culinary dream.
As the tension steadily built, Chef Neil Rippington took the microphone to announce the Plate Trophy winners—recognising outstanding performances by contestants placed from 11th to 20th. Each name drew resounding applause, warm embraces, and heartfelt celebrations, marking both a proud milestone and a poignant pause in remarkable journeys shaped by years of discipline and sacrifice.
Plate Trophy Winners, recognised among the next top performers, are:
Mauritius, Italy, Jordan, Mexico, Egypt, France, South Africa, Equatorial Guinea, Scotland, and the USA.
Then came the defining moment of the evening. With the announcement of the Top 10 finalists who would advance to the Grand Finale on 6 February at the IIHM Global Campus, the air grew heavy with anticipation. As Chef Paul Jervis took the mic, the entire campus fell into a breath-held silence, every heartbeat echoing the same question—who would make it through?
The moment Kotamsetti Satya Teja’s name was announced among the Top Finalists, the entire IIHM campus erupted in thunderous cheers. Representing India and IIHM, his selection sent a wave of pride through the auditorium—applause echoed, voices rose in unison, and emotions ran high. Faculty, students, and staff were on their feet, celebrating not just an individual achievement but a collective triumph for the IIHM family. It was a roar of joy, belief, and homegrown pride—an unforgettable moment that reaffirmed IIHM’s legacy of nurturing world-class culinary talent.
Congratulations to the Top 10 Finalists of YCO 2026, who will compete for the coveted YCO Trophy:
Philippines, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, India, Nepal, England, Sweden, Canada, Albania, and Switzerland.
All remaining competitors have been paired live through an automated system, forming dynamic teams that will showcase their creativity in the spirited Dr. Suborno Bose Challenge, featuring exciting wild-card entries.
Team Pairings:
• Uzbekistan & Timor-Leste
• Bulgaria & IIHM Blues
• Saudi Arabia & UAE
• Lesotho & Zimbabwe
• Namibia & Belarus
• Portugal & Botswana
• Cyprus & Colombia
• Uganda & Kenya
A celebration of collaboration, innovation, and culinary diplomacy—where teamwork takes centre stage and creativity knows no borders.
Beyond rankings and trophies, the announcement reflected what YCO truly represents—resilience, cultural exchange, and the courage of young chefs to express identity through food. Dr. Bose’s address reminded the contestants that every participant is already a winner, having stood on the world’s largest student culinary stage.
Today, at IIHM Global Campus, culinary history was not just announced—it was felt, lived, and celebrated. Flags were raised, emotions spilled over, and friendships forged across borders stood tall in that unforgettable moment, as YCO 2026 once again proved that it is not just a competition, but a celebration of unity, resilience, and culinary excellence.
