The Principality’s rising stars in the hospitality sector have proven their world-class calibre once again. Following a rigorous four-day competition in London, Team Monaco has secured a prestigious second-place finish at the 2026 World Young Chef Waiter Mixologist (YYY) Awards.
The podium finish marks a significant achievement for the trio—Clara Germain (private chef and owner of Gioia), Clara Babkine (demi-chef de rang, Le Louis XV-Alain Ducasse à l’Hôtel de Paris), and Eric Maccario (mixologist, Buddha-Bar Monte-Carlo). After winning the national selection at the Lycée Rainier III last November, the team travelled to the UK to face off against 27 of the world’s most talented young professionals representing nine different nations.
A global stage for local talent
The competition, designed to emulate a high-pressure, live restaurant operation, took place across London’s most prestigious venues, including the Jumeirah Carlton Tower and The Peninsula London. The young professionals were judged by a panel of industry titans, including Michelin-starred chefs and senior hospitality directors.
The results were announced during a glittering ceremony on 19th March at the newly opened Chancery Rosewood Hotel on Grosvenor Square. Attended by 300 guests, the event served as a “melting pot” of international talent, allowing the Monégasque team to engage with their global peers.
“We were so delighted to represent Monaco at this global event, to be challenged and to work as a team,” the trio said in a joint statement. “Working together closely has resulted in our achieving individual and team milestones, and collectively we are humbled with such a great result representing the Principality.”
Ambassadors for the Principality
Robert Lee Mulcahy, President of YYY Monaco, praised the team’s performance both on and off the clock. “A fantastic result,” he noted. “All three team members not only brought home a very well-deserved award but were also great Culinary and Hospitality Ambassadors, representing the Principality on the world stage.”
The success of the initiative relies heavily on local institutional support. The team extended their gratitude to Leslie Giobergia, Principal of the Lycée Rainier III, and Christophe Joublin, Director of Hotel Training, for their unwavering encouragement during the preparatory phase.
Mulcahy also acknowledged the vital role of the competition’s partners, including the Lycée Rainier III, Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer (SBM) as the premier Patron, and NEFT Vodka, the global brand sponsor.
Fostering the next generation
The YYY Monaco competition has become an annual fixture in the Principality, dedicated to championing hospitality professionals under the age of 28. Its mission is two-fold: to reward excellence in those already working in the sector and to attract new, ambitious talent to the industry.
For those looking to follow in the footsteps of this year’s silver medallists, the door is already open. Entries are now officially being accepted for the YYY Monaco 2026 national competition. Interested young professionals can find more information and register at youngchefyoungwaiter.com/monaco/.
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Photo source: YYY