Entries Now Open | 19–20 October 2026

The inaugural Azerbaijan edition of the Global Young Hospitality Championship will take place in Baku on 19 and 20 October 2026, marking an exciting new chapter for one of the region’s fastest-growing hospitality destinations.

Hosted by Yaban Pub and Restaurant Group, in partnership with Saffron Group – Azerbaijan’s largest restaurant group, with a diverse portfolio spanning local, Pan-Asian, European, Arabic and Indian cuisines – the two-day event will bring together the next generation of hospitality talent alongside leading figures from across the industry.

19 October | Industry Day – Yaban

The Championship will begin with a dedicated Industry Day at Yaban, giving competitors the opportunity to take part in masterclasses, gain insight from leading hospitality professionals and meet key figures from across the industry.

20 October | Competition Day – CÀSÀ

The main competition will take place at CÀSÀ – the Culinary Arts Center of Azerbaijan, one of Baku’s leading culinary education institutions. With its state-of-the-art professional kitchens and focus on developing the next generation of culinary talent, CÀSÀ provides a fitting setting for competitors to showcase their skills in front of the Championship judges.

The Championship will conclude that evening with the Awards Ceremony at Yaban, celebrating the competitors’ achievements and revealing who will go on to represent Azerbaijan at the Global Young Hospitality Championship World Finals.

If you’re aged 28 or under and passionate about hospitality, this is your opportunity to make history, develop your skills, connect with some of the industry’s leading figures and compete to become one of Azerbaijan’s first representatives on the global stage.