Held March 24-26 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, the International Pizza Expo is widely regarded as the largest and most influential pizza industry event in the world, drawing hundreds of exhibitors and more than 700 competitors across multiple divisions, including traditional, non-traditional, Neapolitan, pan, and more. Santos entered the highly competitive non-traditional category, a division known for its creative freedom and deep talent pool, featuring more than 100 competitors from across the globe.
Santos ultimately took first place in that category with his take on a Detroit-style square pie, a notable achievement given the division’s breadth and the relative rarity of Detroit-style entries compared to other formats. His win advanced him to the final “Pizza Maker of the Year” showdown, where the top winners from each division compete head-to-head. There, Santos placed second overall, finishing just behind Mirko D’Agata of Canada's Pizzeria No. 900, who claimed the top title.
For Santos, the performance reinforces what San Diego diners have already come to know over the past decade. Since founding Square Pizza Co. in Pacific Beach in 2016, he has built a reputation for precision-driven pies across multiple styles, particularly Detroit-style, which helped earn the brand national recognition, including being named the best Detroit-style pizza in California by The Washington Post. The company has since expanded with a second location in East Village, further cementing its presence in the local dining landscape.
The International Pizza Expo appearance also highlighted the broader strength of San Diego’s pizza community. Sisters Pizza owners Trevor and Emily competed in the event, entering traditional and pan divisions respectively, while Tribute Pizza’s Matt Lyons was also in attendance among many other industry peers and observers.
The competition itself is structured not just as a showcase of finished pies but as a test of technical execution, ingredient quality, timing, and consistency under pressure. Judges evaluate everything from dough structure and bake to flavor balance and originality, particularly in the non-traditional category, where innovation can be both an advantage and a risk.
Santos’ decision to enter that division with a Detroit-style pizza, and ultimately win it, reflects both confidence in his craft and a willingness to challenge expectations on a global stage. Advancing to the final round and placing second overall positions him among the top pizza makers in the world, a distinction that carries weight within an industry where international recognition is closely tied to reputation and long-term influence.
The Pizza Expo continues to serve as a central hub for the industry, combining competition with education, networking, and product innovation. For San Diego, Santos’ performance represents more than an individual achievement. It signals that the region’s pizza scene, long evolving beyond its earlier reputation, is now firmly part of the national and global conversation.
Square Pizza Co. has locations at 4508 Cass Street, Suite C, in San Diego's Pacific Beach and 699 Park Boulevard in East Village San Diego. For more information, visit squarepizzaco.com.
The competition itself is structured not just as a showcase of finished pies but as a test of technical execution, ingredient quality, timing, and consistency under pressure. Judges evaluate everything from dough structure and bake to flavor balance and originality, particularly in the non-traditional category, where innovation can be both an advantage and a risk.
Santos’ decision to enter that division with a Detroit-style pizza, and ultimately win it, reflects both confidence in his craft and a willingness to challenge expectations on a global stage. Advancing to the final round and placing second overall positions him among the top pizza makers in the world, a distinction that carries weight within an industry where international recognition is closely tied to reputation and long-term influence.
The Pizza Expo continues to serve as a central hub for the industry, combining competition with education, networking, and product innovation. For San Diego, Santos’ performance represents more than an individual achievement. It signals that the region’s pizza scene, long evolving beyond its earlier reputation, is now firmly part of the national and global conversation.
Square Pizza Co. has locations at 4508 Cass Street, Suite C, in San Diego's Pacific Beach and 699 Park Boulevard in East Village San Diego. For more information, visit squarepizzaco.com.
Originally published on March 27, 2026.
