Pizza and Burger Challenge and Game of Chefs winners announced

Recognising and honouring African talent in the food and beverage industry remains a focal point for Africa’s Big 7, which was held from 11 to 13 June 2024 at the Sandton Convention Centre. The 2024 instalment of this prestigious event featured vibrant highlights, providing emerging talents with opportunities to display their skills through events such as The Game of Chefs, the Global Pizza Challenge, and the National Burger Challenge.

National burger challenge 2024:

The 2024 Econo Foods National Burger Challenge showcased culinary creativity at its peak in the Econo Foods Culinary Village at Africa’s Big 7. The competition brought together local chefs and amateur cooks to showcase their burger-making skills, all vying for the coveted first-place prize that included a cash reward and the prestigious title of the Econo Foods National Burger Challenge Champion 2024. The panel of celebrity judges rigorously evaluated each entry, weighing taste and presentation to determine the standout burger maestro of the year, with the winners including:

• Best use of SOWETO HOT SAUCE 2024 and winner of R 3,000.00 – Karabo Magadlela, Private Chef
• Best VEGAN / VEGETARIAN Burger 2024 and winner of R 3,000.00 – Segametsi Nkomo, Private Chef
• Overall winner of the National Burger Challenge 2024 and winner of R 150,00.00 – Collin Du Plessis, Restaurant Owner

Global Pizza Challenge 2024:

Originating in 2009, this esteemed competition has grown into the world’s largest pizza contest, culminating in national winners competing on an international stage. Now in its impressive 15^th year at Africa’s Big 7, organisers have witnessed passionate and talented pizza makers showcase their gastronomic artistry at culinary exhibitions worldwide. Culinary excellence was celebrated as the champions of 2024 Econo Foods Global Pizza Challenge were unveiled:

• Best use of SOWETO HOT SAUCE 2024 and winner of R 3,000.00 – Warren Chidarikire, Private Chef
• Best VEGAN / VEGETARIAN Pizza 2024 and winner of R 3,000.00 – Reshma Madhav, The Westcliff
• Overall winner Global Pizza Challenge 2024 and winner of R 15,000.00 – Reshma Madhav, The Westcliff

Game of Chefs:

Econo Foods’ Game of Chefs, held at Africa’s Big 7, was an extraordinary showcase of the finest in African culinary arts. The continent’s most renowned chefs came together under one roof and saw emerging young hotel chefs go head-to-head with established names in a thrilling three-day competition. The 2024 Econo Foods Game of Chefs provided an exclusive opportunity to delve into the minds of top restaurateurs and chefs, creating an immersive experience that goes beyond the plate. The winners of Game of Chefs, are:

• BEST HYGIENE PRACTICE at the Game of Chefs competition, sponsored by TORK was won by the team of the Sandton Sun and Towers who walked away with a cash price of R 5,000.00
• The SECOND RUNNER UP ” GAME OF CHEFS 2024″ was the team from the Sandton Sun and Towers who won the prize money valued at R 15,000.00.
• The FIRST RUNNER UP ” GAME OF CHEFS 2024″ was the team from the Les Creatifs with prize money valued at R 25,000.00.
• The ultimate WINNER AND CHAMPIONS OF THIS YEARS’ ” GAME OF CHEFS” was the team from Courtyard Hotel Waterfall City, winning R 40,000.00 in cash and the sought-after title of Game of Chefs Champions 2024.

For more information on Africa’s Big 7, visit www.africabig7.com