Mirko D'Agata Named 2026 Pizza Maker of the Year

Montreal's Pizzeria No. 900 chef wins back-to-back division titles at International Pizza Challenge

Apr. 6, 2026 at 1:12pm

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Mirko D'Agata, the executive chef at Pizzeria No. 900's Morso Pizzeria in Montreal, Quebec, has been named the 2026 Pizza Maker of the Year at the International Pizza Challenge during Pizza Expo in Las Vegas. D'Agata captured the Neapolitan Division Championship last year and followed it up with the Pan Division title this year, earning him the prestigious Pizza Maker of the Year award and a $5,000 prize.

Why it matters

D'Agata's back-to-back wins at the International Pizza Challenge highlight the growing prominence of Canadian pizza makers on the global stage. His innovative Roman-style pizza that reimagined the classic Milanese dish of ossobuco showcased his mastery of both traditional and modern pizza techniques, inspiring younger generations to pursue pizza making as a serious culinary career.

The details

D'Agata's championship-winning pizza featured a Roman-style crust that he developed to capture the full experience of ossobuco, a braised veal shank dish. He slow-cooked the ossobuco for 4-5 hours, then shredded the meat to achieve a lighter texture. He also prepared a saffron risotto cream and a 30-month aged Parmigiano Reggiano emulsion to bring richness and balance to the pizza. The finishing touch was a gremolata topping that added freshness and acidity to cut through the dish's decadence.

  • D'Agata won the Neapolitan Division Championship at the 2025 International Pizza Challenge.
  • D'Agata was named the 2026 Pizza Maker of the Year at the International Pizza Challenge in Las Vegas on April 6, 2026.

The players

Mirko D'Agata

The executive chef at Pizzeria No. 900's Morso Pizzeria in Montreal, Quebec, who has won back-to-back division championships and the prestigious Pizza Maker of the Year title at the International Pizza Challenge.

Pizzeria No. 900

A pizzeria in Montreal, Quebec, where Mirko D'Agata is the executive chef.

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What they’re saying

“For me, winning the Pizza Maker of the Year title is something truly extraordinary. It represents all the work behind it — the tests, the failures, the victories, and all the time spent developing my passion for baking and pizza. Winning this title in Las Vegas, in front of my entire team, is an incredible emotion and a source of immense pride.”

— Mirko D'Agata, Executive Chef, Pizzeria No. 900

“More than anything, I hope this achievement can inspire younger generations to understand that being a pizzaiolo is a real profession — just like being a chef. It's not just a side job, not just something you do for extra money. It is a true career. It deserves respect, dedication, and recognition.”

— Mirko D'Agata, Executive Chef, Pizzeria No. 900

What’s next

D'Agata plans to continue pushing the boundaries of pizza making and inspiring the next generation of pizzaiolos through his innovative techniques and dedication to the craft.

The takeaway

Mirko D'Agata's back-to-back wins at the prestigious International Pizza Challenge showcase the growing culinary talent and creativity emerging from Canada's pizza scene, and his success underscores the potential for pizza making to be recognized as a serious culinary profession.