6 PA Pizzerias Win At International Competition

PENNSYLVANIA — Several Pennsylvania establishments have been named among the world's best at the recent International Pizza Challenge, which brought together the premier pizzerias from around the globe for an intensively judged, category-specific competition.

Some 550 competing eateries took part in the recent event, which was part of the recent Pizza Expo celebrations in Las Vegas.

The highlight for the Keystone State was New Columbus Pizza Co., based in Pittston in Luzerne County, which won the competition's "Best of the Best" event.

"I honestly do not even know where to begin," owner and chef Anthony Cerimele shared in a social media post. "To say that I am overwhelmed by all of the messages and support that I have received in the last 18 hours is an understatement."

The "Best of the Best" category features multiple past winners of the competition "Pizza Makers of the Year." Each chef must make their own pizza with surprise ingredients, and the only personal item they can use is their own dough.

"My only wish is that my father was here to see it, but just like last year, he was with me." Cerimele added. "I prayed and talked with him the whole time and mixed in a little Bruce Springsteen to get in the right mindset just like last year."

PA's best received recognition in numerous categories, with a total of six different pizzerias winning or placing in the top three in major competitions.

All Pennsylvania pizzerias that won awards are listed below:

• "Best of the Best": Anthony Cerimele (54.90) — New Columbus Pizza Co., Pittston
• "Non Traditional Division," 3rd Place: Benjamin Tobin (53.72) — Mezzaluna Wood Fired Pizza, Kennett Square
• "World's Best Cheese Slice," 1st place: Chris Ostapenko (40.88) — Slice on Broadway, Pittsburgh
• "Pan Division Finals," 2nd place: Davide Lubrano Lavader (53.42) — Pizzata Pizzeria, Philadelphia
• "Pan, Roman Style," 1st place Davide Lubrano Lavadera (54.23) — Pizzata Pizzeria, Philadelphia; 2nd place Jay Falk (51.32) — Caliente Pizza & Draft House, Pittsburgh

The International Pizza Expo bills itself as the premiere pizza judging competition in the world. A total of 550 eateries, most of them from Italy, compete.