Young hospitality professionals across Malta are urged to apply now as World Young Chef, Young Waiter and Young Mixologist opens its final recruitment phase for the inaugural YYY Malta competition – with limited finalist places remaining.
Taking place on January 26 at the ION Harbour by Simon Rogan, YYY Malta will spotlight the island’s most exciting emerging talent across three categories: chef, waiter and mixologist – all aged 28 and under.
This is a rare and time-sensitive opportunity for Malta’s young hospitality professionals to step onto one of the most influential global platforms in the industry.
YYY Malta will bring together young chefs, waiters and mixologists to deliver a live, high-pressure restaurant service in front of Michelin-starred chefs, senior industry leaders, global brands and international media.
Judges announced so far include Andrew Borg (executive chef at Le GV, 1-Michelin starred), Christian Calì (executive chef at ION Harbour by Simon Rogan, 2-Michelin starred) and Paul Greening (culinary director for db Group) in the chef category; Stanislav Pozhydaiev (head bartender at ION Harbour by Simon Rogan) and William Campbell-Rowntree (senior sales manager at NEFT Vodka and ex-London Bar Guru) for mixology; and Andy Downton (founder and owner, Burnt Chocolate Consultancy), James Christie (F&B and restaurant manager at ION Harbour by Simon Rogan), Josef Bonello (wine ambassador for wines of Malta and Gozo/Malta Tourism Authority) and Sean Cuthbertson (F&B manager, Corinthia Hotels and Radisson Blu Resort) in the waiter category.
For those selected, the competition offers global recognition and international media exposure, mentorship from world-class judges and hospitality leaders, career-defining networking opportunities and a direct pathway onto the WorldYYY global stage.
Malta’s category winners will represent the island at the World Young Chef, Young Waiter and Young Mixologist World Finals in March in London, competing against the very best young hospitality talent from around the globe – with the chance to win a top prize of up to $15,000 (almost €13,000)
With a press reach of over 30 million, 75 million combined social media reach and 350+ venues engaged worldwide, WorldYYY has helped launch the careers of some of hospitality’s most exciting rising stars.
As WorldYYY continues its global expansion across Europe, Asia, the Middle East and North America, Malta’s inaugural edition represents a once-in-a-generation moment for the island’s hospitality community.
Hospitality remains one of Malta’s most important economic and cultural pillars – and YYY Malta celebrates, invests in and future-proofs local talent. By launching the Maltese chapter, the competition aims to recognise the next generation shaping Malta’s food, drink and service scene, strengthen Malta’s international hospitality reputation and inspire young professionals to see hospitality as a long-term, global career.
The event is supported by leading industry partners including ION Harbour by Simon Rogan, NEFT Vodka, Great Campaign and Formula 1, firmly positioning Malta within YYY’s elite global network.
Entries are open online at https://youngchefyoungwaiter.awardsplatform.com until Monday, January 19, to chefs, waiters and mixologists aged 28 and under currently working in Malta. Applications are quick, straightforward and open to individuals either self-nominated or put forward by their venue. Successful applicants will be contacted directly by the WorldYYY central team with next steps and official competition briefs. More information is available at https://youngchefyoungwaiter.com/malta/.
