BENELUX SUSHI CUP

professional sushi competition for non-Japanese chefs

FIRST EDITION

1st of April 2026, in Antwerp, Belgium

(preceded by masterclasses on 30-31 March)

The World Sushi Skills Institute (WSSI), organiser of the World Sushi Cup in Tokyo, will hold the first edition of the Benelux Sushi Cup next year. The winner will get the ticket for the final in Japan! 

More info on WSSI here

COMPETITION

The BENELUX SUSHI CUP event will take place in the prestigious culinary school in Antwerp, PIVA.

DAY 1

30th of march, 2026

Masterclass (theory)

DAY 2

31st of March, 2026

Masterclass (practical)

+ written test for the “sushi proficiency certificate”

DAY 3

1st of April, 2026

Competition

MASTERCLASS OVERVIEW

Master Hirotoshi Ogawa, known as “sushi samurai” in Japan, brings his expertise to the Benelux countries!

The seminar will be given in Japanese, then translated in English.

Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the following:

  • History and evolution of sushi
  • Hygiene standards
  • Traditional techniques, how to handle the ingredients
  • Practical workshop: demonstrations and technical preparations for the competition
  • Sushi Proficiency Certificate: after passing a written examination, succesful candidates receive an official diploma issued by the WSSI.

COMPETITION OVERVIEW

  • Katsuramuki: peel 1 metre of daikon radish with a knife, then cut it into thin stripes
  • Sanmai-oroshi: fillet a seabass, scrape the belly bones and remove the skin
  • Sashimi plate: using 4 different cutting techniques (hiki-zukuri, hira-zukuri, sogi-zukuri, usu-zukuri) prepare a plate of sashimi
  • Edomae sushi plate: prepare a traditional style sushi platter including nigiri, hoso-maki, kazari-maki, kazari-sushi (decorative sushi)
  • Creative sushi plate: prepare a creative sushi platter using special ingredients of your choice and presenting it in an original way. Prepare tasting bites for the judges.

The first winner gets a free ticket to Japan for the World Sushi Cup in August 2026!!

HOW TO PARTICIPATE

– Candidates must be nationals or residents of the Benelux countries (Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg).

– Candidates must have more than 3 years working experience as a sushi chef.

– Candidates must follow the 2 days masterclass (admission-paid) and pass a written test to get the “Sushi Proficiency Certificate” issued by the World Sushi Skills Institute (WSSI)*
*If you already have the certificate, this step can be skipped.

Complete the form at the bottom of this page.    

SEND IN YOUR APPLICATION BY THE 20TH OF NOVEMBER
ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE FINAL PARTICIPANTS
REGISTRATION FEE

Selected candidates should pay the registration fees* of 450 €.


* including 2 days masterclass + certification + competition entry
* transport & accomodation costs are the responsibility of the participants

TECHNICAL GUIDANCE:
This will be sent to the candidates (rules, ingredients...)

Self-training period, PR social media / press

JURY & PARTNERS

executive-ogawa

JURY

Mr. Hirotoshi Ogawa, Director of the World Sushi Skills Institute (WSSI) and 4, 5 other judges from all over Europe.

logos new piva

PARTNERS