HOW TO ENTER

We're delighted to anno unce that World Young Chef Young Waiter Young Mixologist 2026 is here, bringing together the world's brightest young hospitality talent for another exciting year of competition.

Entry is free for Young Chefs, Young Waiters and Young Mixologists who are 28 years old or under.

Please check the individual country pages for their respective entry closing dates and competition dates. More dates will be announced soon.

Finalists selected by our expert judging panels in each participating country will earn the opportunity to compete at the World Final 2026.

Winners will be announced at the prestigious World Young Chef Young Waiter Young Mixologist Awards Ceremony following the World Final.

More details, including the World Final location and dates, will be announced soon.

IMPORTANT NOTE FOR ENTRANTS

Before submitting your application, please ensure that you will be available to attend the World Final 2026, should you be selected as your country's finalist. This may include travel before and after the competition.

The World Final location, dates and travel arrangements will be confirmed in due course.

Our Online Entry Process

Entering World Young Chef Young Waiter Young Mixologist is a simple two-step process.

Before you begin, we recommend reading the guidance below. Although there is quite a bit of information, it will help you complete your application smoothly and ensure you have everything you need before submitting.

Step 1 – Register

Create your account by providing:

• Your name

• Email address

• Password

• Acceptance of our Terms & Conditions

  
  

You'll receive a confirmation email containing a link to activate your account. Once registered, you can log in at any time to edit or update your application, making it easy to complete your entry over multiple sessions.

Returning Entrants

If you've entered World Young Chef Young Waiter Young Mixologist in a previous year, you don't need to register again. Simply log in using your existing email address and password.

Step 2 – Start Your Entry

You can begin your application immediately after registering—you don't need to wait for your confirmation email.

Most fields are mandatory (with the exception of your social media details and the final optional question) and must be completed before your application can be reviewed by our judges.

You can save your progress and return to complete your application at any time before your country's closing date.

Choose Your Country and Category

For example:

• Young Chef of the Year 2026 – UK

• Young Waiter of the Year 2026 – UK

• Young Mixologist of the Year 2026 – UK

  
  

Proof of Right to Work

Applicants must provide evidence that they have the legal right to work in the country they are entering.

Please upload clear, high-resolution copies of the relevant documentation. Multiple files may be uploaded in JPG, JPEG, PNG or PDF format, up to 5MB per file.

Accepted Documents

If you were born in your chosen country:

• Birth certificate, or

• Passport

  
  

If you were born outside your chosen country:

Please upload:

• Passport, plus

• Visa, permanent residence card, residence permit, or any other documentation confirming your legal right to work in your chosen country.

  
  

If you're unsure which documents are required, please contact us before submitting your application.

Video Submission (Optional but Recommended)

Our judges would love the opportunity to get to know you.

You're encouraged to upload a short video (maximum 3 minutes) answering the following questions:

• Tell us about yourself.

• Why did you choose a career in hospitality, and what inspires you to stay in the industry?

• Why would you like to compete in World Young Chef Young Waiter Young Mixologist?

  
  

Uploading a video is optional but strongly recommended, as it contributes to the overall assessment of your application.

Your video should:

• Be uploaded in MP4 or MOV format.

• Answer the questions above.

• Feel free to include anything else you'd like the judges to know about you.

  
  

Recent Photograph

Please upload a recent professional or personal photograph of yourself.

Written Questions

Please answer the following questions in approximately 200 words or fewer.

Young Chef Questions

• What is the most memorable dish you've ever eaten, and why?

• Create a three-course menu and briefly explain the inspiration behind it and why your guests would love it.

• Tell us about a time you played an important role in helping your team overcome a challenge.

• What are your long-term goals and aspirations within hospitality?

• Is there anything else you'd like the judges to know?

  
  

Young Waiter Questions

• What is the most memorable service experience you've ever received, and why?

• Tell us about two Champagnes and two wines that inspire you, and explain why.

• Tell us about a time you played an important role in helping your team overcome a challenge.

• What are your long-term goals and aspirations within hospitality?

• Is there anything else you'd like the judges to know?

  
  

Young Mixologist Questions

• What is the most memorable drink you've ever tasted, and why?

• What inspires your creativity when developing and creating drinks?

• Tell us about a time you played an important role in helping your team overcome a challenge.

• What are your long-term goals and aspirations within hospitality?

• Is there anything else you'd like the judges to know?

  
  

Ready to Submit?

Once you're happy with your application and have uploaded your required documents, recent photograph and (if applicable) your video, you're ready to submit your entry.

We wish you the very best of luck in World Young Chef Young Waiter Young Mixologist 2026!

Please Note

Your application will become valid once it has been reviewed and approved by the organisers of the competition in your selected country.

We will only contact you if there are any issues with your submission or if additional information is required. If no issues arise, your application will be approved without further notification.