"This victory completely changed my life": Meet the 2024 European Sushi Champion, Piotr Kuc
November 4th, 2024 will remain etched in the annals of European gastronomy. During the second edition of the European Sushi Championship, Piotr Kuc, a talented chef rose to the top of this prestigious competition, demonstrating exceptional mastery of the ancestral Japanese art. Now established at the Onakaya restaurant in Nice, our champion shares the secrets of his success and reflects on this experience that transformed his career.
Between impeccable technique and authentic passion, discover the journey of a Sushi artisan whose European victory is merely a reflection of his total commitment to culinary excellence. An inspiring testimony that takes us from European kitchens to Japanese traditions, where every gesture matters and every bite tells a story.
When did you participate in the European Sushi Championship?
I participated in European Sushi Championship in 4th of November 2024. It was a second edition of this competition.
Why did you choose to participate to the European SUshi Championship ?
My decision about start in the competition was very fast. First of all I wanted to compare my skills with a Chefs from all Europe. It’s the best opportunity to check my technique, ideas, vision of cuisine and taste. Specially that on the one place you can meet a few the best Chefs from whole Europe. The second reason was just to meet few old friends. Few of those Chefs I known before from competition in Tokio so it was a a good reason to come also.
How did this championship benefit your professional life ?
This title, this achievement changed my life completely. Of course it was determined by the place of competition. I met a lot of very valuable people. I had a possibility to took an incredible seminary, lessons of Japanese cuisine and spend an adorable time with Takeshi Suda San! I miss this so much all the time!
But it’s not only this. After the competition I received very good offers of job in totally unexpected places for me. So my life changed (and my family also) because I decided to became a Sushi Chef in Onakaya Restaurant in Nice.
Do you have a message for future candidates ?
Chefs! Guys don’t stop developing yourself. Always gives your best. Don’t put pressure on yourself to achieve results. The most important thing is to be convinced that you’re doing great things and feel happy with what you’re doing.
