Ferguson was named winner of the two-year global competition, which spans 55 countries and 15 regions, having competed against 14 other global finalists at the grand finale in Milan.
His winning dish ‘Archipelago Celebration’ (pictured below) was chosen by a Grand Jury of seven renowned chefs comprising Christophe Bacquié of Le Table des Amis; Jeremy Chan, co-founder of Ikoyi; Antonia Klugmann, of L’Argine in Gorizia, Italy; Niki Nakayama, of n/naka in Los Angeles; Elena Reygadas, chef-owner of Rosetta in Mexico City; Julien Royer, of Odette in Singapore; and Mitsuharu Tsumura, whose restaurant Maido in Lima is the current World’s Best Restaurant.
The jury praised Ferguson for demonstrating ‘exceptional technical precision, a distinctive creative vision and a deep personal connection to their dish’, which is said ‘stood out for its balance of innovation and authenticity, perfectly embodying the competition’s values of skill, passion and purpose’.
“Representing Asia on this global stage has been an unforgettable experience,” says Ferguson. “Creating my dish, ‘Archipelago Celebration’, allowed me to share the vibrant culinary traditions of Indonesia that have deeply inspired me. This journey has challenged me creatively and technically and connected me with some of the most inspiring chefs in the world.”
Chef Noah Wynants was named winner of the Acqua Panna Connection in Gastronomy Award for his plant-based dish Dutch ‘Rendang’, The award recognises the young chef whose signature dish best reflects harmony between tradition and innovation.
Chef Nicolás A. López took home the Fine Dining Lovers Food for Thought Award, the only award in the competition decided by public vote and recognises the young chef whose dish best expresses their personal beliefs and values, for his dish ‘Pork with Hints of the Sea’.