Genoa Pesto World Championship

Final of the Genoa Pesto World Championship will be held in Genoa on March 21st 2026, in the majestic setting of Palazzo Ducale’s Salone del Maggior Consiglio.

More than 100 Italian and foreign competitors are selected during the elimination competitions carrying one of Liguria’s ambassador products around the world: PDO Genoese basil.

How Pesto World Championship works

At the shout of ‘ready, pesto, go’, the competition opens and, from that moment on, participants have a maximum time of 40 minutes to prepare their pesto relying on their experience and skills.
There will be 30 judges: journalists, experts, and opinion leaders in the sector. The collateral activities are confirmed with the Children’s Championship, the exhibition of Ligurian DOP products in the Salone del Minor Consiglio.
The ten finalists then compete in a second competition to win the title of World Champion and win the ‘golden pestle’.
The final is also attended by the cheering public who actively supports their favourite contestant. Fun is guaranteed for everyone.
Info: ww.pestochampionship.it