If you and your pizza skills have something to prove, and plenty of people to prove it to, we have you covered.
The REAL California Pizza Challenge (CPC), sponsored by REAL California Milk, returns to the Anaheim Convention Center August 23-25, as part of the Pizza Tomorrow Summit and California Restaurant Show. Hosted by PMQ Pizza’s U.S. Pizza Team, the event brings together some of the industry’s most talented pizza makers for three days of competition, camaraderie and a chance to earn prizes that go far beyond bragging rights. A panel of pizza experts from across the industry will evaluate every entry, giving competitors the opportunity to have their work judged by some of the most knowledgeable professionals in pizza.
Last year, Triple Beam Pizza’s Juan Robles left Anaheim with more than a trophy. His victory earned him a trip to Italy, where he competed against some of the best pizza makers on the planet while representing California cheeses on the world stage and earning a top 20 finish. Looking back on the experience, Robles described it as “life-changing,” saying it gave him the opportunity to learn, grow and discover just how far pizza could take him. More importantly, it reinforced a lesson every competitor understands: keep pushing. Opportunities have a way of finding those who do.
Watch Juan Robles’ journey from Anaheim to Italy
This year, another competitor will earn that same opportunity. Win the Non-Traditional category and you’ll earn a trip to Italy to represent the United States at the World Pizza Championship in 2027, courtesy of the U.S. Pizza Team and REAL California Milk. That’s not just another prize. It’s a chance to test yourself against the best in the world and discover just how far your pizza can take you.
Competitor spots are limited, and once registration closes, that’s it. Somebody’s going to walk away with a trip to Italy, some cash, some hardware and a story they’ll be telling for years. That person ought to be you.
The culinary competition features four categories showcasing the creativity and craftsmanship of today’s pizza professionals:
Non-Traditional challenges competitors to think beyond the classics with innovative ingredients, techniques and flavor combinations, all while featuring at least one California-produced cheese. It’s also the category that awards the coveted trip to Italy.
Pizza in the Pan celebrates thick-crust excellence, rewarding competitors who can balance texture, flavor and execution under competition conditions.
Gluten-Free puts the spotlight on one of the fastest-growing segments of the pizza business, testing competitors’ ability to deliver outstanding flavor and quality while maintaining strict gluten-free standards.
The REAL California 3-Cheese Challenge requires competitors to build a pizza using exactly three cheeses produced with Real California Milk. No more. No less. The category highlights the depth and versatility of California’s world-class dairy industry while challenging competitors to make every cheese selection count.
Read the 2025 REAL California Pizza Challenge recap
Beyond the culinary categories, the CPC also features Pizza Athletics events that celebrate the speed, skill and controlled chaos of life in a 
busy pizza kitchen. Competitors can test themselves in Largest Dough Stretch, Fastest Pie Maker, Fastest Box Folder, and, if enough brave souls step forward, Freestyle Acrobatics.
Cash prizes, trophies, industry recognition and serious pizza glory will all be on the line. Winners will also receive coverage through PMQ Pizza Magazine, which regularly spotlights U.S. Pizza Team competitions, champions and standout performances. In other words, if you win, people are going to hear about it.
Just as valuable is the opportunity to compete alongside some of the most passionate pizza makers in the business while showcasing your skills in front of thousands of industry professionals attending the Pizza Tomorrow Summit and California Restaurant Show.
Register today and secure your spot before someone else claims it. Learn more and sign up at uspizzateam.com/cpc26.
