Ladies and gentlemen, pizza enthusiasts, and those who simply appreciate a good underdog story—buckle up! The U.S. Pizza Team has once again stormed the international scene, bringing their dough-slinging, cheese-melting and acrobatic talents to Rimini, Italy, for the 2025 Pizza Senza Frontiere competition.
With eight seasoned warriors and one fresh recruit in tow, the Magnificent 9 represented the red, white and blue in a culinary showdown that would make even the most stoic Italian nonna shed a tear of admiration. But our team didn’t just show up—they showed out. And while they didn’t take home the entire Colosseum, they did pack their bags with silver medals, top-tier placements and enough prestige to last until next year.
It’s one thing to compete, but it’s another thing entirely to rank among the world’s best. Here’s how our pizzaioli stacked up against some of the most seasoned competitors on the planet:
McKenna Carney (The Nona Slice House, Safety Harbor, FL) – 2nd Place, Freestyle Acrobatics
While the semi-finals for the Freestyle Acrobatics category saw the entire Nona Squad of McKenna, USPT Acrobatic Coach Jamie Culliton and USPT hopeful Travis Siebens advance, say it with me…there can be only one.
McKenna flipped, spun and twirled her way to a silver medal in the finals, wowing the judges and proving that pizza dough isn’t just for eating—it’s for flying. In her own words, “I have never posted a full routine to social media, ever. I always feel I could do better. I could’ve done this trick, that trick, done this better. And yes, this routine isn’t perfect, I feel proud to have put on a show like this.”
Rico Lunardi (Slice on Broadway, Pittsburgh, PA) & Mike Pitera (Pizza a Modo Mio, Charleston, S.C.) – 4th Place, Pizza e Vino
This dynamic duo paired up like a fine Chianti and a crispy Margherita, securing an impressive fourth-place finish in the Pizza & Wine category. Pitera summed up the experience perfectly: “Competing on an international stage and representing the USA was an honor. I met world-class pizza masters and chefs from across the globe, each with their own unique techniques and perspectives. The knowledge and inspiration I gained on this trip are invaluable.”
Additional World Rankings for the USPT:
• 7th Place, Pizza e Cocktail – Sean Dempsey (Danger Von Dempsey’s, Aberdeen, S.D.)
• 7th Place, Pizza in Teglia – Vitangelo Recchia (Bella Napoli Pizzeria & Restaurant, Port Charlotte, FL.)
• 8th Place, Pizza in Teglia – Jamie Culliton (The Nona Slice House)
Beyond the top finishers, the full squad left an impression that won’t soon be forgotten. Also representing the U.S. Pizza Team were George Taylor (Taylors’ Pizza House, Endwell, N.Y.); David Solum (Danger Von Dempsey’s ATY), and Travis Siebens (The Nona Slice House), who all put their skills on display in a variety of events, helping solidify the USPT’s reputation as a serious contender on the world stage.
The Journey Continues… Next Stop: Vegas & Parma!
The Magnificent 9 may have conquered Rimini, but they’re far from done.With barely enough time to shake off the jet lag, the U.S. Pizza Team is already gearing up for its next big showdown at the International Pizza Championship in Las Vegas this March. But that’s not all! In April, the squad will head back to Italy—this time to Parma—for the legendary World Pizza Championships, where an expanded roster of 13 competitors will battle it out for pizza supremacy.
So, if you thought this was the peak of their 2025 journey, think again. The season is just beginning, the dough never stops rising, and neither does the U.S. Pizza Team. Stay tuned, because this year is shaping up to be one for the pizza history books.
Until next time, keep tossing, keep tasting and remember: While pizza has no limits, the U.S. Pizza Team continues to push boundaries, leaving their mark on every global stage!