Our Paella Competition Chefs
Meet the chefs bringing international experience, creativity, and a passion for paella to the competition.
Maikel Martos
Paella Chef (Former International Paella Champions)
Maikel Martos is a Miami-based, self-taught chef and founder of Martos’ Rice. Inspired by 10 years living in Spain, he specializes in authentic paella rooted in Valencian tradition. His honors include first prize in La Albufera in 2025 and Best International Paella at the 2026 Sueca competition, representing the United States.
John Noble Masi
Head Judge
John Noble Masi is a chef, educator, and hospitality consultant with over 30 years of industry experience. As Lead Culinary Faculty at Florida International University and founder of Hospitality Performance Partners, he brings expertise in culinary education, kitchen leadership, and hospitality operations.
Andrés Felipe Otálvaro
Paella Chef
Andrés Felipe Otálvaro is a culinary entrepreneur from Medellín, Colombia, with over 10 years of experience specializing in rice dishes and paella. Through his catering brand, Andrés Paellas, he shares Colombian flavors, ingredients, and identity at culinary events and festivals around the world.
Vsevolod Leonov
Paella Chef
Vsevolod Leonov is a Ukrainian chef from Odesa with over 16 years of culinary experience across Europe, the Middle East, and the United States. A Ukrainian Culinary Cup finalist, he brings expertise in international cuisines, restaurant openings, menu development, and kitchen leadership.
Sofya Seropyan
Paella Chef
Sofya Seropyan is an award-winning pastry chef, artisan baker, and founder of Sofya’s Bakery, with over 13 years of experience. A two-time National Pie Championships winner and seven-time American Culinary Federation medalist, she brings expertise in artisan baking, pastry innovation, and culinary competitions.
Javier Dominguez
Paella Chef
Javier Domínguez is a Spanish chef and Corporate Chef / Culinary Director for Cala Millor’s Miami operations. Trained at Le Cordon Bleu Madrid, he developed his craft in Michelin-starred kitchens, including Quique Dacosta, Álbora, and A’Barra. He brings expertise in Spanish cuisine, rice dishes, pastry, and culinary leadership, combining traditional roots with a contemporary approach.
Houssem Tamerti
Paella Chef
Houssem Tamerti is an Algerian-born chef raised and professionally trained in Málaga, Spain. His career spans kitchens in Spain, Sweden, and Miami, where he joined Cala Millor. Drawing on his North African roots and Spanish culinary foundation, he brings an international perspective to Mediterranean cuisine, combining traditional flavors with contemporary influences and a commitment to quality.