The 11th World Pesto Championship, the traditional Ligurian condiment made with basil, pine nuts, Parmigiano, Pecorino, garlic, and olive oil, will be held in the Salone del Gran Consiglio of the Palazzo Ducale in the center of Genoa this March 21, 2026. This is a massive event and competition that is highly awaited and celebrated all over the world, held every two years in honor of excellence and the high quality of our cuisine culture. As per tradition, 100 "pestaioli" from all around the world will compete. Of the contenders, 28 will automatically qualify as champions of the preliminary rounds organized in Italy and abroad (Germany, France, Spain, the United States, and Canada) in the two years since the last edition. A jury of 30 specialists, including gourmets, professionals, and industry opinion leaders, will evaluate the participants in the morning and divide them into ten groups. The important final "challenge" will take place in the afternoon, following which the new World Champion of Genoese Pesto al Mortaio will be proclaimed.