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Hospitality stars of the future compete in global competition

25 March 2026

Mixologist Kody Wright, chef Kristofer Mason and waiter Daniel Ancel, at the YYY finals in London. – Photo: Cayman Islands Government

Three young Caymanians represented their country at the 2026 World Finals of the Young Chef, Young Waiter and Young Mixologist competition and even brought home a medal – the first time Cayman has been recognised in the competition.

Chef Kristofer Mason, waiter Daniel Ancel and mixologist Kody Wright, who all work at Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa, competed against teams from around the world including USA, Malta, Monaco, Thailand and the UK after winning the Cayman Islands national competition last year.

The World Finals of the Young Chef, Young Waiter and Young Mixologist competition was held in London from 16–19 March in five-star venues including the newly-opened Peninsula Hotel in Hyde Park and Rosewood London in Holborn.

Team player award

First, second and third places were awarded to the US, Monaco and Scotland but Cayman didn’t leave empty-handed. Competition judges awarded Kody Wright the prize of Best Team Player – Mixology for his technical discipline, composure and collaborative excellence in a field of international competitors.

Competition organiser Robert Walton said that taking part in the competition was a huge achievement for the entrants and will stand them in good stead for their future careers in the industry.

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“These people are the stars of tomorrow,” he said. “It will be a major part of their lives – being able to represent their country and walk on the stage carrying their national flag.”

Kristofer Mason honing his skills at the Government’s Grown in Cayman stall at this year’s Cayman Cookout. – Photo: Sarah Bridge

Competitors were also able to improve their culinary skills with masterclasses held at famed British retailer Fortnum & Mason.

Cayman’s team was sponsored by the Ministry of Planning, Lands, Agriculture, Housing and Infrastructure as part of its drive to develop Caymanian talent within the hospitality and culinary industries. Mason, Ancel and Wright were congratulated by the ministry, which said the trio had represented “the Cayman Islands with discipline, professionalism and pride”.

Planning Minister Jay Ebanks said, “These young men earned their place as national champions and competed with confidence on the world stage. That matters. It shows that Caymanian talent is capable of meeting international standards in one of the most competitive industries globally.”