Frequently Asked Questions

What is 50 Next?

50 Next is a list of people who are shaping the future of gastronomy. Formed through robust research and analysis by 50 Best and the internationally renowned Basque Culinary Center, it showcases a diverse global selection of bright young minds who have turned their ideas into reality. A list but not a ranking, 50 Next aims to inspire, empower and connect young people who are pushing boundaries at every level of the food chain. The first edition was revealed in April 2021 and the second in June 2022. Meet the Class of 2022 here.

How were the people on the list selected?

50 Next was open to applicants from all countries and backgrounds. We looked for:

• People aged 35 or under* (Those over 35 but starting a new career path were also eligible, provided they had a maximum of three years’ experience in their chosen field)
• People working at all levels and in all areas of gastronomy, or in disciplines that have a direct impact on gastronomy, including, but not limited to: activists, bartenders, chefs, consumers, craft beer and spirits producers, designers, distributors, educators, entrepreneurs, farmers, fishers, food and drink writers, non-profit workers, researchers, restaurateurs, scientists, sommeliers, tech creators, winemakers and more
• People who are pushing the boundaries of gastronomy and tackling challenges from fresh perspectives
• People who have achieved results or shown clear progress through their work towards a particular goal

* Applicants for the Class of 2022 needed to be 35 or under on 21 February 2022

What do we mean by ‘gastronomy’?

For many people, gastronomy means fine dining, but at 50 Next and the Basque Culinary Center we celebrate the entire food and drink chain, from farmers and producers to food distributors, sommeliers and even consumers. You don’t have to be working in the industry to apply – we are also looking for people whose work has an impact on gastronomy, for example a scientist whose discovery directly affects food and drink, or an activist campaigning for better food policies.

Is 50 Next only open to chefs and bartenders?

No. As the younger sibling of the 50 Best lists, 50 Next celebrates people from all areas of the food chain, from farmers and producers to food distributors, sommeliers and even consumers. Chefs, bartenders, restaurateurs and bar owners are eligible, provided they are pushing boundaries and shaping the future of gastronomy.

What is the age limit for applicants?

As 50 Next celebrates the next generation of people shaping the future of gastronomy, we specifically looked for people aged 35 or under. However, those over 35 and starting a new career path were also eligible, provided they had a maximum of three years’ experience in their chosen field.

How were the winners selected and who are the judges?

Together with our Academic Partner, the Basque Culinary Center, 50 Next analysed all applications and performed robust research to discover the strongest candidates. We looked for people from all over the world whose work truly pushes boundaries and tackles challenges from unprecedented perspectives. 

Is 50 Next a ranking?

No. 50 Next is a list, but not a ranking. Each of the 50 winners is celebrated, with no hierarchy or competition.

What is the Basque Culinary Center’s involvement?

As the official Academic Partner, the Basque Culinary Center helped to develop the concept of 50 Next and is responsible for analysing the applications, researching the candidates and helping to select the final list, together with the 50 Next team. Find out more about the Basque Culinary Center.

How are Biscay and the Basque Country involved with 50 Next?

Biscay and the Basque Country are the official Host Destination Partners for 50 Next and welcomed the inaugural event on 24th June 2022. Find out more about the Biscay region and the Basque Country.

What did the 50 Next event involve?

We held the first ever 50 Next event on 24th June 2022 in Bilbao in the Basque region of Spain, the official Host Destination Partner to 50 Next. Our incredible line-up of inspiring talks and interviews featured 50 Next Class of 2021 and 2022 speakers David Zilber, Maitane Alonso, Jenny Dorsey and Mmabatho Molefe, as well as live cooking demos from Dinara Kasko and Nicola Kagoro. We also welcomed Best of the Best and 50 Best chef speakers Joan Roca, Mauro Colagreco and Dominique Crenn, with special video messages from Heston Blumenthal, René Redzepi, Daniel Humm and Ferran Adrià.

What is the relationship between 50 Next and 50 Best?

50 Next is part of the 50 Best family, which includes The World’s 50 Best Restaurants, The World’s 50 Best Bars, 50 Best Discovery and #50BestTalks. The 50 Best family is owned and organised by William Reed, an international company headquartered in the UK.

What is The World’s 50 Best Restaurants?

The World’s 50 Best Restaurants is an annual celebration of the finest dining establishments on the planet, which has been running since 2002. In 2013, it launched Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants and Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants, with Middle East & North Africa's 50 Best Restaurants following in 2022, to shine a spotlight on underrepresented regions, and it organises the #50BestTalks series of live culinary forums. The 50 Best family also includes The World’s 50 Best Bars, which has been celebrating the best of the international drinks industry since 2009 and launched its sister list in Asia in 2016, as well as the first edition of North America's 50 Best Bars in 2022.

What about the Best of the Best?

Over the history of The World’s 50 Best Restaurants, eight restaurants have achieved the No.1 title – El Bulli, The French Laundry, The Fat Duck, the original and re-located Noma, El Celler de Can Roca, Osteria Francescana, Eleven Madison Park and Mirazur. As of 2019, these restaurants are no longer eligible for the list and have been elevated to a hall of fame called the Best of the Best. At 50 Next, we draw on the expertise of the people behind these restaurants to provide leadership and guidance to the young people selected for the list. We asked the leaders of the Best of the Best restaurants to provide an endorsement for one person from each category – you can read their endorsements here.