Pizza artistry and athleticism combine on Rimini’s world stage.
USPT Members to Break Pizza ‘Frontieres’ in Rimini, Italy
What do you get when you combine world-class pizzaioli, stunning Italian scenery and a dash of competitive excitement? No, it’s not the latest season of The Amazing Race. It’s the Pizza Senza Frontiere (PSF) competition, where in January 2025, seven of the U.S. Pizza Team’s best will head to Rimini, Italy, to showcase their skills in dough, sauce and acrobatics.
The PSF, part of the annual SIGEP World event taking place January 18-22, isn’t just any competition. It’s quickly becoming a marquee event in the international pizza circuit. With 16 culinary categories and three adrenaline-pumping athletic contests, there’s a little something for every pizza pro. Freestyle acrobatics? Check. Largest dough stretch? Bring it. Fastest pie maker? Let the flour fly. And for the culinary artists, categories range from the traditional to the avant-garde, testing skills that would make even a Michelin-starred chef sweat.
Oh, and did we mention the big prize? Winners get a golden ticket to compete in the Master Pizza Champion TV program, where they’ll vie for the ultimate title of Champion of Champions on Sky TV. It’s like Iron Chef meets American Ninja Warrior, with a little Great British Bake-Off charm sprinkled on top.
Meet the U.S. Pizza Team’s Fearless Ei8ht
Leading the charge is Vitangelo Recchia of Bella Napoli Pizzeria & Restaurant in Port Charlotte, Florida. A PSF veteran, Recchia knows the lay of the land and the heat of the oven. Having also studied previously in Parma, Italy, and visited the event in its infancy, this may as well be Vito’s backyard.
“I’m honored to attend SIGEP in Rimini for the third time,” Recchia said. “This year, I am privileged to compete and represent USPT.” But Vito isn’t going just to compete. “I’ll also be conducting demonstrations with Molino Signetti and GranForni Italiani, showcasing their premium flour and ovens. I’m looking forward to engaging with the finest in our industry, while building new professional relationships and reconnecting with esteemed colleagues.”
Joining him are George Taylor of Taylors’ Pizza House in Endwell, New York; Sean Dempsey & David Solum of Danger von Dempsey’s Pizza + Brewhaus in Aberdeen, South Dakota; Rico Lunardi of Slice on Broadway in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and Mike Pitera of Pizza a Modo Mio in Charleston, South Carolina. Then there’s McKenna Carney and Jamie Culliton of The Nona Slice House in Safety Harbor, Florida, who snagged second and third place respectively in Freestyle Acrobatics last year and have their eyes set on gold and silver this time around.
Culliton is also bringing Travis Siebens, the second-place Freestyle Acrobatics winner of the Galbani Professionale Pizza Cup, to make the squad eight strong in total.
Mike Pitera, who is making his PSF debut, said, “I’ve heard so much about this competition from other members. It’s surreal to finally be a part of it. My goal? To bring some U.S. flair to old-school flavors in Rimini.”
Why PSF?
The PSF offers something unique compared to the larger World Pizza Championships in Parma, Italy. With fewer competitors, it’s a more intimate stage for pizzaiolos to shine. Many USPT members first discovered PSF a few years ago, and the team’s presence has grown steadily ever since. “It’s not just about the competition,” Recchia noted. “It’s about the connections we make. Pizza is a universal language, and this event proves it.”
While the PSF is on track to become as large as some of the others, the competition’s emphasis on promoting equality, peace and cooperation through pizza resonates deeply with the USPT and helps it stand out in the field. And let’s be honest: who wouldn’t want an excuse to spend January in Rimini, with its stunning beaches (although you probably can’t swim that time of year) and vibrant culinary scene?
Will the Apprentice Become the Master?
All eyes are on Culliton and his pizza protégé, Carney, in the Freestyle Acrobatics category this year. In 2024, McKenna outshined her pizza professor with a second-place finish, while Jamie took third—proving the apprentice can challenge the master. Both are back and better than ever, each determined to claim the top spot. It’s a showdown straight out of Star Wars—will the master reclaim his title, or will the apprentice rise to take it all?
A Global Pizza Party
At its core, the PSF is about more than just winning titles. It’s about bringing together pizza makers from around the globe to celebrate their craft and share their passion. The USPT’s participation is a testament to the universal appeal of pizza—and the team’s commitment to pushing boundaries, one slice at a time.
So, buckle up, pizza fans. January 2025 is shaping up to be a showdown of epic proportions, and the U.S. Pizza Team is ready to bring their A-game. Whether it’s twirling dough, crafting the perfect Margherita, or simply soaking in the Italian vibes, this trip is sure to be one for the books.
Stay tuned to the U.S. Pizza Team’s Facebook and Instagram for updates live from the event.
