Heading to Napa to Compete Among America's Best Pizza Chefs
We are excited to announce that Virtual Pizza Academy Co-Founder and JimmyHank Pizza owner Jim Henry has been selected as one of just eight finalists in the prestigious 2026 Real California Pizza Contest, a national competition recognizing the most innovative pizza chefs in the United States. The competition is organized by the California Milk Advisory Board and showcases the nation's top pizza recipes featuring Real California dairy products. ()
The annual contest attracts entries from professional pizza chefs and culinary professionals across the country. After a highly competitive preliminary judging process, only eight finalists are selected to advance to the live finals, where they will compete head-to-head in Napa, California at the world-renowned Culinary Institute of America at Copia. ()
For those familiar with Virtual Pizza Academy, this recognition comes as no surprise.
Jim has spent years perfecting his craft, earning a reputation for creative pizza development, award-winning pan pizza techniques, and innovative use of premium ingredients. As an Ooni Ambassador, International Pizza Challenge judge, and educator who has helped thousands of students improve their pizza-making skills through Virtual Pizza Academy, Jim continues to push the boundaries of what pizza can be.
"This is an incredible honor," said Henry. "The level of talent in this competition is outstanding, and I'm excited for the opportunity to represent both Virtual Pizza Academy and the broader pizza community on a national stage."
The 2026 Real California Pizza Contest finals will take place in July in Napa, where finalists will prepare their original creations for a panel of industry judges. Contestants will compete for category titles, cash prizes, and the overall Grand Prize championship. ()
What makes this achievement especially meaningful is the caliber of the competition. Previous finalists and winners have included some of the most respected pizza makers in North America, many of whom operate nationally recognized pizzerias and have earned accolades throughout the industry. ()
At Virtual Pizza Academy, our mission has always been simple: bring world-class pizza education directly to home pizza makers and professionals alike. Having one of our founders recognized among the top pizza innovators in the country reinforces the passion, dedication, and expertise that drives every class we teach.
As Jim prepares for Napa, we invite the entire VPA community to join us in cheering him on. We will be sharing updates, behind-the-scenes content, and competition coverage as the event approaches.
Congratulations, Jim!
The entire Virtual Pizza Academy family is proud of you, and we can't wait to see what you create on the national stage.
About Virtual Pizza Academy
Virtual Pizza Academy is the premier online destination for live and on-demand pizza education. Founded by Jim Henry and Jim Mirabelli, VPA has helped more than 1,700 students across 40+ countries and 5 continents improve their pizza-making skills through interactive classes covering regional pizza styles, dough science, baking techniques, and more.
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