Three conditions are required for participation:

• Aged between 24 and 40.
• A minimum of 5 years in the profession, and current employment in a restaurant.
• Enter the competition in their country of work, regardless of their nationality. If selected, they will then represent this country at the international competition.

The following are excluded from participation:

• Teachers at a catering school.
• Candidates having already participated 3 times at the international final.
• Chefs employed in a restaurant linked to a catering school
• Private or embassy Chefs 

The participating countries are:

• France (including the principalities of Andorra and Monaco)
• Japan
• Belgium (Luxembourg)
• Netherlands
• Switzerland
• United Kingdom
• Germany
• Sweden
• USA