Spain and Portugal

Chocolate Academy Barcelona

You won't want to miss the first National Selection of 2025! The theme 'Play!' will once more take the stage. Talented chefs express their passion, skills, and creativity with chocolate and present their creations to a renowned panel of jury members. This competition will decide who takes home the Iberian crown and makes it to the World Final of World Chocolate Masters.

Arnau Triola

Arnau Triola Bertran is a pastry chef at Castell de Peralada Restaurant (1 Michelin Star, 2 Repsol Suns). Passionate about innovation, he has worked at renowned establishments like El Celler de Can Roca, Bo.Tic, and Casa Cacao. Arnau’s creations have earned multiple accolades, including international chocolate awards and bronze medals at the 2024 IKA Culinary Olympics. Currently part of Can Garús’ product development team, he brings passion and authenticity to every project, inspiring others with his dedication to excellence and craft.

Arnau Fusté

Arnau Fusté, born in Malgrat de Mar, is the owner and pastry chef at Pastisseria Fusté. After training at the Escola de Pastisseria del Gremi de Barcelona, he gained experience at renowned establishments like Farga and La Pastisseria of Josep Ma Rodríguez. In 2020, he fulfilled his dream of opening his own pastry shop, blending creativity and passion. Known for his originality, Arnau brings innovation and artistry to his craft, constantly pushing boundaries in the pastry world.

Jesús Quirós

Jesús Quirós, trained at Barcelona's EPGB, represents the fifth generation of artisan pastry chefs at La Rosa Pastelería, established in 1917. He has earned numerous accolades, including the Best Tea Biscuit in Castilla-La Mancha and Young Talent in Gastronomy. Known for his consistency and passion, Jesús combines deep flavors with modern finishes. A bold entrepreneur, he expanded La Rosa to Madrid and became a two-time finalist for Madrid’s Best Pastry Chef. His craft honors his family’s proud legacy.

Lluc Crusellas (Jury President)

Born in Santa Eulàlia de Riuprimer, this young chef isn't only a chocolatier celebrated for his innovative and fresh approach to recipes and creations. He is also the winner of World Chocolate Masters 2022! With training and experience in renowned establishments, this chocolate master is also the proud owner of his chocolate brand, Eukarya Xocolata. His creativity, precision, and passion continue to make him an a-lister, ready to be the jury president of this awaited National Selection.

Raul Bernal

Raul is a highly respected pastry chef and chocolatier from Huesca, known for his creative chocolate sculptures and mastery in dessert-making. After training at the Pastry School of Barcelona, he went on to inspire others as an instructor there. As a jury member, he brings over 25 years of experience and top honours like Spain’s Best Master Chocolatier (2011, 2023) and Best Artisan Bonbon (2023). Now leading LaPaca, Bernal continues to push boundaries in the world of chocolate.

Sofia Janer

Sofia Janer, a former advertising student and MasterChef participant, discovered her true passion in pastry. After training as a pastry chef and gaining experience at renowned establishments like ABaC and I+Desserts, she co-founded LaDramerie Pastry Shop with her partner, Víctor Gonzalo. Known for her creativity and innovation, she was honored as one of the Jóvenes Talentos Gastronomía in 2022 by the Basque Culinary Center. Sofia’s work reflects her belief in the freedom and joy of playful, imaginative pastry creations.

David Gil

This Hofmann Hospitality School graduate has worked in some of the world’s most renowned kitchens, such as Mugaritz and Le Calandre. He has been named Spain’s Best Chocolatier (2015), won the National Gastronomy Award (2019), and Best Pastry Chef (2024). For a decade, he was Head of Creativity and Pastry at elBarri Group, overseeing celebrated restaurants and innovative projects. As current Co-owner and Innovation Director at I+Desserts, David continues to redefine the pastry world.

Marike Van Beurden

Marike is a celebrated pastry chef and chocolatier whose creations are influenced by her love of travel, art, and nature. She has gotten 2nd place in World Chocolate Masters (2013) and was named Tatler’s Pastry Chef of the Year (2015). Known for redefining taste, she crafts with unexpected twists including unique textures, bold contrasts, and locally sourced ingredients. Also a pioneer in plant-based pastry, she co-founded Be Better My Friend, committed to sustainable and clean-label desserts.

How to watch?

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for live updates during this qualifying round.