Gelato Festival World Ranking 2026 reveals the world’s leading artisanal gelato makers

The new edition of the Gelato Festival World Ranking 2026, the global ranking of the world’s best master gelato makers according to Gelato Festival World Masters, was officially unveiled today in Rome at the headquarters of the Foreign Press Association in Italy, located in Palazzo Grazioli. Taking the top spot in this year’s ranking is Carlo Guerriero of La Cremeria Gelato Italiano in Cádiz, Spain. Second place goes to Tomasz Szypuła of Szypuła 1974 in Baborów, Poland, while Elisabeth Stolz of Osteria Hubenbauer in Varna (Bolzano), Italy, ranks third.

After more than fifteen years of international competitions, thousands of tastings and over 8,000 gelato makers evaluated across five continents, the Gelato Festival World Ranking has become one of the most authoritative observatories of the global artisanal gelato industry. More than a competition, it offers a snapshot of how gelato culture is evolving worldwide – shaped by technical research, local ingredients, cultural influences and new generations of professionals redefining the craft. The Gelato Festival World Ranking is compiled by Gelato Festival World Masters, the world’s leading international competition dedicated to individual gelato makers, aimed at identifying and promoting the finest professionals in artisanal gelato.

Rankings are determined by competitors’ performances throughout the circuit, together with evaluations based on key criteria including flavor, creativity and aesthetic presentation. This year’s ranking reflects the growing internationalization of the sector, with top positions awarded to professionals working across Spain, Poland, Belgium, the United States, the Netherlands and Italy. At the same time, it confirms the enduring influence of Italian gelato culture worldwide, with Italian-trained craftsmanship continuing to inspire laboratories and gelaterias far beyond Italy’s borders. The ranking also highlights a new generation of gelato professionals combining traditional Italian techniques with regional ingredients, local culinary identities and contemporary gastronomic research. Today’s leading gelato makers increasingly operate at the intersection of pastry, foodservice innovation and experiential dining, transforming artisanal gelato into a constantly evolving category. During the press conference, Ádám Fazekas of Budapest – already crowned world champion in 2021 –  was officially inducted into the Gelato Festival World Ranking Hall of Fame. The event was held in partnership with Carpigiani and SIGEP World by Italian Exhibition Group, reaffirming the connection betwee