Once again, one of the most anticipated dates for rice lovers around the world is getting closer. On September 20th, International Paella Day will celebrate the 6th edition of the World Paella Day, an international event that blends competition and celebration in equal parts. Between 10 and 12 chefs will compete in the grand final, where they must showcase their culinary skills and represent their country with their paella.

This year, just like in previous editions, the finalist chefs will take part in the World Paella Day Stage Valencia experience, where they will immerse themselves for approximately 5 days in the depths of paella culture, including a complete program of activities that will allow them to explore Valencia and its province: the birthplace of paella and its Mediterranean pantry.

If you want to be one of the finalists of one of the biggest rice competitions, you can follow the steps in this blog post to learn how to participate and prove that you are one of the best paella chefs in your country.

Participation Mechanics

The competition will be divided into four phases:

Phase 1. How to participate (Open until June 3)

To participate, you must fill out this form and send a photo and video by June 3, 2025. The video must not exceed 59 seconds in length.

The video must include at least:

-          Your professional background

-          The country you want to represent

-          Why you would like to participate in the 6th World Paella Day CUP

You may submit both the form and the video via email to: worldcup@worldpaelladay.org

Phase 2. Finalist Selection (Active from June 10 to June 29)

The best candidates will be selected to proceed to the final phase. Their entries will be posted on www.worldpaelladay.org (or another designated digital platform) on June 10. The public will be able to vote until June 23.

During this period, candidates may campaign in any way they see fit through media and social media, using the hashtag #WorldPaellDayCup.

If any fraud is detected in the voting process, the contestant may be disqualified. The organization encourages "fair play" among candidates and will not tolerate any form of cheating.

A jury composed of professionals appointed by the World Paella Day organization will consider the voting results, media and social media impact, geographical representation, supporting entities/organizations, as well as the candidates’ background and videos to select 4 to 6 finalists (plus 3 alternates) by July 14.

Selected candidates will be notified personally via email.

Phase 3. Final Stage; World Paella Day Stage (Active from September 17 to 21)

The selected finalists will be invited to Valencia to compete on September 20. As part of the invitation, they will receive a full Stage program of activities to discover Valencia and its province: the cradle of paella.

The World Paella Day organization will cover the travel costs (train or economy class flights) and accommodation for each finalist chef and one assistant (in a double room), as well as all activities included in the Stage program.

If a contestant does not accept the participation conditions, their spot will be offered to an alternate finalist until the full participant list is completed.

Phase 4. Final of the World Paella Day Cup 2024: September 20, 2024

Once the Stage phase concludes, the finalists will face off — and so will their paellas — on September 20, live, at the venue designated by the organization.

Prize

The winner of the competition will receive a trophy recognizing them as the winner of the 6th edition of the World Paella Cup. The second and third place winners will also receive a prize. (Trophy transport costs not included)

All finalists will receive a commemorative chef’s jacket and a certificate acknowledging their status as finalists.

All finalists and their assistants will participate in the World Paella Day Stage (round-trip economy-class train/plane tickets, 4-night double-room hotel stay with breakfast, official program meals and transportation) in the days leading up to the final.

Acceptance of the prize requires acceptance of the competition rules.

Important Participation Guidelines

1- Any materials (texts, images, videos, etc.) not submitted properly or within the established deadlines will be disqualified.

2- Any entries received after the deadline will not be considered.

3- Only one finalist will be selected per country.

4- Participants grant image rights for the indefinite promotion of this campaign.

5- The jury and organizers reserve the right to make any necessary decisions to ensure the proper functioning of the competition.

If you want to know how to sign up for the other paella contests being organized, click here.
And if you're eager to organize your own paella contest, here’s a tutorial on how to do it.

We hope all this information helps you take part in the rice event of the year. See you at World Paella Day, rice lovers!