Pesto originated in our sister city of Genoa and every two years, they hold a championship 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 a local pesto championship. Ten contestants are provided with a mortar and pestle and seven ingredients to make their best Genoese Pesto.

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. In 2020, the Columbus Champion was Reese Flowers. The winner wins a trip to Genoa, Italy to compete in the World Pesto Championship. 

The 2021 World Pesto Championship is a virtual event but we are looking forward to participating in person again soon! 

Pesto originated in our sister city of Genoa and every two years, they hold a championship 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 a local pesto championship. Ten contestants are provided with a mortar and pestle and seven ingredients to make their best Genoese Pesto.

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. In 2020, the Columbus Champion was Reese Flowers. The winner wins a trip to Genoa, Italy to compete in the World Pesto Championship.