Pesto, or pesto alla genovese, originated in our sister city of Genoa, Italy. Every two years, a championship is held in Genoa to crown the world’s best pesto maker. In order to select a finalist to represent Columbus and participate in this global competition, GCSCI organizes our own local pesto championship. Contestants are provided with a mortar and pestle and seven ingredients to make their best Genoese Pesto, using the official Genoa Pesto World Championship recipe.

Roberto Panizza, known as the King of Pesto, is the lead judge and helps to select the best pesto in Columbus. In 2018, the Columbus Champion was Marcello Canova, Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at The Ohio State University. In 2020, the Columbus Champion was Reese Flowers, Executive Chef at Degrees on the campus of Columbus State Community College. The 2025 champion is Carmelo Cicero! The chosen Columbus champion wins a trip to Genoa, Italy to compete and represent Columbus in the World Pesto Championship.