Norway’s culinary spotlight turned to Stavanger this week as Christian André Pettersen claimed the title of Chef of the Year 2025. With commis Hanna Korvald and coach Sebastian Gibrand by his side, Pettersen is now gearing up to represent Norway on the culinary world’s biggest stage – the Bocuse d’Or.
With the energy and precision that have become his trademark, chef Christian André Pettersen has once again proven his talent on the competitive stage. Together with commis Hanna Korvald and coach Sebastian Gibrand, he triumphed at Årets Kokk 2025, Norway’s most demanding culinary contest. Aron Espeland took silver, while Eli Anne Rosvold Sundset secured bronze.
The victory means Pettersen will carry the Norwegian flag to Bocuse d’Or Europe in Marseille in March 2026, and – if all goes well – to the World Final in Lyon in January 2027 – the ultimate arena for culinary excellence.
Alongside the main awards, a series of special prizes highlighted different areas of excellence. Team Pettersen (CAP) was recognized for both their originality and flavor, while Synva Knapstad Gjerde of Team Espeland was named Best Commis; Team Sundset received the Sustainability Award.
The jury consisted of some of Norway’s most respected Bocuse veterans – including Ørjan Johannessen, Bent Stiansen and Sven Erik Renaa – alongside distinguished guest judges Kari Innerå, Mikael Svensson and Heidi Bjerkan.
Organized every other year by the Norwegian Gastronomy Foundation and the Bocuse Academy, Årets Kokk is more than a competition: it’s the gateway to the Bocuse d’Or and a showcase of Norway’s exceptional culinary talent.
