Registration open for Chef Balfegó 2026, Europe's most important international red tuna gastronomy competition
Balfegó is launching a new edition of Chef Balfegó, its international gastronomy competition dedicated to bluefin tuna, which this year once again brings together professional chefs from all over Europe. The final will be held on November 30, 2026, at the Le Cordon Bleu Madrid facilities, and the registration period will remain open until April 30, 2026.
Active professional chefs from any restaurant located in Europe, aged 22 or older, can apply. The competition is structured in two phases: a European semifinal, where participants from outside Spain prepare a dish using the part of the tuna they choose, and the grand final in Madrid, where eight European semifinalists will compete alongside four Spanish chefs, presenting two dishes—one of which must be made with tuna loin.
The jury, chaired by Martín Berasategui, will be composed of six recognized professionals, including chefs and one of the most prominent gastronomic critics in Spain. The dishes will be evaluated based on flavor, aroma, and texture, presentation, balance of ingredients, and correct product preparation, totaling 100 points.
The first prize includes a trip for two to Japan with airfare and six nights' accommodation, €6,000 in cash, a Balfegó experience in Barcelona and l'Ametlla de Mar, as well as the publication of a report on the winner on the Balfegó website and the official competition trophy. The second and third prizes also include financial remuneration, the Balfegó Experience, and the dissemination of their story and winning dishes.
The competition, which this year will be filmed as a TV show for Balfegó's YouTube channel and other digital platforms, will culminate with an awards ceremony on the same night as the final, an event that will bring together great figures from cuisine and gastronomic journalism for a culinary demonstration featuring Balfegó Bluefin Tuna.
Those interested in participating can consult the full rules and register through the Balfegó website, in the section dedicated to Chef Balfegó. For any questions regarding the registration process, Balfegó answers inquiries at concurso@grupbalfego.com.