The history of WCM
How we got here

For 2 decades, we’ve been bringing together the most talented chocolate chefs and artisans from all around the world. Together, we’re on a mission to advance and celebrate innovation with chocolate. Each of the 9 past competition cycles offered the many contestants opportunities to learn, grow, and push the boundaries of their creative and professional skills. Each of the competition cycles has culminated in a World Final, where the best of the best have been awarded the title of ‘World Chocolate Master’ by an international jury of industry leaders.

World Chocolate Master 2022
Lluc Crusellas – Spain

Lluc Crusellas won over not just the hearts of the judges, but also of the viewers at home who awarded him with the public #WOW award for his Elephant of Hope – an impressive chocolate sculpture weighing more than 170 kg. Innovation, creativity and attention to detail were Lluc’s secret weapons. He presented for instance a brioche with zero sugar by using a scientifically developed enzyme. An amazing innovation that took the judges by surprise.

 

“Amid fierce competition, the title of World Chocolate Master that Crusellas will be taking home is a tribute to the skill, ingenuity and vision he has shown throughout the final”, Head of the jury Amaury Guichon explained. “With the limited time, taking the risks he took were adventurous, but it set him apart from the competition.”

Winner

Lluc Crusellas

Second place

Antoine Carréric

Third place

Nicolas Nikolakopoulos

World Chocolate Master 2018
Elias Läderach – Switzerland

With his mindful, calm and striking attention to detail – even under pressure – Elias impressed the jury. He showed innovation without hesitation and what’s more: efficiency in realising his ideas. He also showcased a clear, powerful concept that the jury could recognise in every assignment.

Winner

Elias Läderach

Second place

Yoann Laval

Third place

Florent Cheveau

World Chocolate Master 2015
Vincent Vallée – France

Vincent is 100% perseverance. Once he puts his mind to a creative idea, he grabs onto until the very last second. What surprised the jury members most were his bold, straightforward flavours round after round.

Winner

Vincent Vallée

Second place

Hisashi Onobayashi

Third place

Marijn Coertjens

World Chocolate Master 2013
Davide Comaschi – Italy

Davide: A passionate chef from the land of Michelango with a fascination for triangular shapes. This humble yet incredibly dedicated craftsman stunned the jury with his vision, skill and unbeatable sense of perfection.

Winner

Davide Comaschi

Second place

Marike van Beurden

Third place

Deniz Karaca

World Chocolate Master 2011
Frank Haasnoot – The Netherlands

An enfant terrible with no rules. Frank loves to shake things up, but he does it with such incredible style, charisma and class. This makes him one of the leading pastry chefs in the world.

Winner

Frank Haasnoot

Second place

Yoshiaka Uerzaki

Third place

Palle Sørensen

World Chocolate Master 2009
Shigeo Hirai – Japan

Winner

Shigeo Hirai

Second place

Lionel Clement

Third place

Michaela Karg

World Chocolate Master 2007
Naomi Mizuno – Japan

Winner

Naomi Mizuno

Second place

Yvonnick Le Maux

Third place

Carmelo Sciampagna

World Chocolate Master 2005
Pol Deschepper – België

Winner

Pol Deschepper

Second place

Fabrizio Galla

Third place

Kouichi Izumi