Selection Process

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.

Who 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. The list is not limited to those working in the industry but also those 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.

How was the list created?

50 Next teamed up with the trusted experts at the Basque Culinary Center, the internationally renowned organisation behind the annual Basque Culinary World Prize and other gastronomy initiatives, to scout for candidates while inviting applications and nominations. We then performed robust analysis and a series of interviews on the shortlisted candidates, selecting the final 50 before allocating their categories and revealing the 50 Next Class of 2022 at a live awards ceremony in Bilbao in June 2022.

How can I find out more?

Consult our Frequently Asked Questions for further information on the application and nomination process, or discover Our Partners, including the Basque Culinary Center, the Basque Country and the Biscay region of Spain. For further questions, visit our Contact Us page.