Ardy Ferguson Wins S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Award 2025

Following a rigorous two-day Grand Finale in Milan, Ardy Ferguson wins the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Award 2025, marking the culmination of the competition’s sixth edition.

Competing against 14 other talented global finalists at the iconic Castello Sforzesco, Ferguson’s signature dish, ‘Archipelago Celebration’, stole the show and secured him the prestigious award.

The S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy is an inspiring global community dedicated to empowering talented young chefs through unparalleled connections with renowned culinary figures, education, mentorship, and vital networking opportunities.

A Culmination of Two Years of Competition

The two-year global competition, spanning 55 countries and 15 regions, reached its climax with an extraordinary display of gastronomy’s next generation. After years of competing regionally and worldwide, Ardy Ferguson’s signature dish was ultimately chosen by a Grand Jury of seven renowned chefs.

This esteemed jury included Christophe Bacquié of France and two-Michelin-star Le Table des Amis; Jeremy Chan, co-founder of London’s trailblazing two-Michelin-star restaurant Ikoyi; Antonia Klugmann, of Michelin-starred L’Argine in Gorizia, Italy; Niki Nakayama, of Michelin-starred n/naka in Los Angeles; Elena Reygadas, chef-owner of Michelin-starred Rosetta in Mexico City; Julien Royer, of celebrated three-Michelin-starred Odette in Singapore; and Mitsuharu Tsumura, whose restaurant Maido in Lima is highly ranked by The World’s 50 Best Restaurants.

Why ‘Archipelago Celebration’ Stood Out

Guided throughout the competition by Vicky Lau, Ferguson was praised by the jury for demonstrating exceptional technical precision, a distinctive creative vision, and a deep personal connection to his dish.

His ‘Archipelago Celebration’ particularly stood out for its balance of innovation and authenticity, perfectly embodying the competition’s core values of skill, passion, and purpose.

‘I’m incredibly honoured to have been named the winner of the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition 2025. Representing Asia on this global stage has been an unforgettable experience. Creating my dish, ‘Archipelago Celebration’, allowed me to share the vibrant culinary traditions of Indonesia that have deeply inspired me.

This journey has challenged me creatively and technically and connected me with some of the most inspiring chefs in the world. I’m deeply grateful to my mentor, Vicky Lau, for her guidance, and to S.Pellegrino for building such an extraordinary platform that empowers and celebrates young chefs.’

~ Ardy Ferguson, winner of the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Award 2025.

The Gala Dinner and Collateral Award Winners

Guests at the awards ceremony, also held at Castello Sforzesco, were treated to an exclusive gastronomic spectacle.

A bespoke dinner was created by two of the culinary world’s most influential figures: Pía León, chef-owner of Lima’s Kjolle, and Jessica Rosval, Head Chef of Casa Maria Luigia and Al Gatto Verde.

Significantly, Nelson Freitas, the winner of the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition 2022–2023, was present in the kitchen, now working alongside León.

This clearly demonstrates the meaningful career opportunities and powerful connections the Academy continues to foster.

The gala evening also celebrated the winners of the collateral awards. Chef Zanté Neethling (Africa, Middle East & South Asia) received the S.Pellegrino Social Responsibility Award for her dish Tribute to the Khoi-Khoin Tara, which exemplified the best use of sustainable practices.

‘The Social responsibility award 2025 is for my country, South Africa. We are celebrating the history of the Khoi-Khoin tribe that walked these southern coastlines, healing their families with ancient knowledge and honouring their deep connection with our lands’ flora and fauna. Their legacy serves as a reminder of the profound connection between humanity, nature and nourishment.’

~ Chef Zanté Neethling.

Furthermore, Chef Noah Wynants (North Europe) and his plant-based take on a global classic, Dutch ‘Rendang’, was named winner of the Acqua Panna Connection in Gastronomy Award, reflecting harmony between tradition and innovation.

Finally, chef Nicolás A. López (USA) took home the Fine Dining Lovers Food for Thought Award, the only award decided by public vote, for his dish Pork with Hints of the Sea, which expertly expressed his personal beliefs and values.

The S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy is truly an incredible opportunity for young talent in the industry to access the highest levels of expertise and knowledge.

Ardy Ferguson, the current winner, now joins high-ranking names dedicated to making a positive contribution to the world of gastronomy and the wider community.

Highlights from the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition 2024-25 are available on S.Pellegrino Academy and Sanpellegrino official social channels, and you can discover more about the competition by visiting the website: sanpellegrinoyoungchefacademy.com.

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