Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Uruguay

Chocolate Academy Sao Paulo
 

Are you ready for yet another WCM display of talent packed with delicious and 'Play!' themed assignments? Then, get to know the chefs participating in the legendary battle and the renowned experts tasked to evaluate the competitors' every decision in the kitchen. Scroll to meet the LATAM National Selection contestants and jury members!

Carlos de Avila

A Cartagena-born chef who followed his dreams when he moved to Bogota at 17 to become a professional chef. After working in several hotels and as a pastry chef, he created his company, Ambrosía. Ever since, he's participated in national competitions, won the title of National Pastry Chef twice, and represented Colombia on 8 occasions. Constantly participating and determined to become better, his creations rely on his high level of technique combined with his passion for chocolate-making.

Rafael Alvarenga

Rafael is a chocolate chef with 2 decades of experience in chocolate-based products. His knowledge and expertise help him create and oversee chocolate products of high durability and production lines for events. His adaptability and multifaceted profile have allowed him to fulfil different roles in the industry. With extensive knowledge, he stands out not only as a chocolatier but in the Research & Development department as well.

Abner Leme

Born and raised in Brazil, Abner is a specialist in chocolate-making and confectionery. He is recognised for his chocolate sculptures and advanced techniques. His passion has taken him to prestigious competitions, such as the Confectionery World Cup and the Gelato World Cup. Abner continues to hone his skills while travelling the world offering consulting practices and professional training while committed to developing impressive sculptures while continuing to innovate in his field.

Alberto Alegre

A renowned professional pastry chef and chocolate artist, Alberto has had an outstanding career in teaching pastry professionally. Focused on competitions for over a decade, his passion for chocolate continues to nudge him towards training with known industry figures and participating in championships, including the VI National Championship of Artisan Pastry, where he won first place. He was also part of the team that got Argentina 4th place at the 2024 World Cup of la Gelateria.

Flavio Federico

JURY PRESIDENT

Flavio Federico is a renowned pastry chef with 33 years of professional experience. Owner of the Flavio Federico Confectionery School in São Paulo, he pioneered the use of native Brazilian fruits in modern desserts. He has judged prestigious competitions like the Coupe du Monde de la Pâtisserie and World Chocolate Masters. With over 25 years on TV alongside Ana Maria Braga, he also teaches online and consults globally. He’s a five-time “Best Pastry Chef in Brazil” award winner.

Víctor Araque

Born in Bogota, Víctor comes from a humble family of bakers and confectioners. Dedicated to the craft, he took over the family's passion for baking since childhood. After being a pastry assistant, he started working as a technical advisor in a multinational company at only 19. For 10 years now, he has led his pastry academy. Since 2015, he has continued to spread his knowledge and skills by training hundreds of professionals throughout Latin America.

Milena Vallejos

A chocolatier and pastry chef with extensive experience as a gastronomy professor. She dedicates her life to training professionals and entrepreneurs. She is also a consultant with an approach that balances tradition and innovation. Her work has stood out for respecting raw materials and natural flavours while promoting conscious gastronomy. Beyond recipes, she explores techniques related to sensory/emotional impact and advocates for women in her field and equality in the industry.

Matías Dragún

This pastry chef and chocolatier is also an ice cream maker with more than 20 years of experience. He graduated in Argentina and learned from top chefs while he continued his studies in France, Italy, and the United States. He has a decade of teaching experience and has participated in international competitions during that time. Currently, he works as a professor and consultant in Buenos Aires and offers online courses that cater to over 25000 students around the world.

Renata Arassiro

After leaving her career in textile engineering, Renata devoted herself to her craft and became a renowned Brazilian chocolatier. She is the owner of Renata Arassiro Chocolates and a reference in her industry, for uniting creativity and local ingredients and expressions in her creations. Renata is also known for being the first Callebaut ambassador in Brazil and representing her country in international competitions, including the Coupe du Monde de la Pâtisserie.

How to watch?

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