The final of the Prix International ArsNova de Cuisine d’Auteur (ArsNova Culinary Prize) took place on 3 February 2026, bringing together eight international chefs at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris. The jury, made up of multi-Michelin-starred chefs, awarded first prize to Paul Guenot, representing Luxembourg and Belgium, for his striking interpretation of the year’s theme – deer – as well as for his flavorful root-vegetable pot-au-feu prepared for the surprise challenge.

This edition highlights an all–French-speaking podium, with Brice Maillet (France) taking second place, followed by Simon Quétineau (Switzerland) in third.

We are pleased to share images from behind the scenes of the final, captured by photographer Benoît Pelletier.

On the left, winner Paul Guenot (Belgium–Luxembourg). In the center, the kitchens of Le Cordon Bleu during the competition. On the right, Alexander Weinman (United States) assisted by his commis chef.
1_PaulGuenot_Lauréat©benoitpelletier
Paul Guenot, representing Belgium and Luxembourg, winner of the 58th edition of the ArsNova Prize.
Japanese candidate Yuki Higashizono faces the jury, which observes and comments on the contestants’ behavior in the kitchen.
On the left, Paul Guenot’s interpretation of the year’s deer theme. On the right, his root-vegetable pot-au-feu in response to the surprise challenge. Plate photographs © Stéphane Lavoué / Hello Emotion.
Work on the pot-au-feu, this year’s surprise recipe.
The dishes are presented to the jury, including French chef Olivier Nasti (left) and German chef Douce Steiner, both two-Michelin-starred.
On the left, Brice Maillet assisted by his commis. The French representative took second place in the competition.
On the right, Simon Quétineau (Switzerland), who finished third, works on his interpretation of the imposed theme: deer.
The commis assigned to each chef play a crucial role during the competition. A Commis Prize is also awarded. This season, it was won by Noah Fitzpatrick, a 19-year-old Australian student at Le Cordon Bleu (pictured here on the right).
On the left, the organizing committee, the jury, and chefs at the closing evening of the final. In the center, Swedish candidate Blake Norgren during the competition. On the right, the jury observes the contestants’ work in the kitchen.
Behind the scenes of the 2026 final
>> More information about the ArsNova Culinary Prize
prixcuisinedauteur.philanthropicarsnova.org/en

Photos (unless otherwise indicated) © Benoît Pelletier