Richard Delcid has been named the World’s Fastest Pizza Maker—by Domino’s, that is.
Delcid won the title in an event that brought “top competitors from across the globe,” all of whom work for the pizza chain, to Mandalay Bay Resort in Las Vegas on May 13. Delcid, a general manager at Domino’s in Manassas, Virginia, won the contest by making three large pizzas in 31.22 seconds, a new record for the event. He took home $5,000 in prize money, a trophy and a championship belt presented by Domino’s CEO Russell Weiner.
“Winning this title means so much to me,” Delcid said in a press release. “This competition isn’t just about speed—it’s about delivering quality under pressure, just like we do in stores every day. Years of hard work and practice went into this moment, and I’m incredibly proud of what I accomplished. I’m especially grateful to my trainer and fellow competitor, Joe Burr, who helped me every step of the way. I wouldn’t be here today without him.”
In what Domino’s describes as “a riveting showcase of pizza-making mastery,” finalists prepare three large pizzas—one pepperoni, one mushroom and one cheese—by hand-stretching dough, saucing and placing toppings as quickly as possible. While speed is important, quality is also scrutinized as two judges in Domino’s pizza-making practices grade participants on three criteria: dough/sauce, portioning of toppings and placement.
Domino’s began the World’s Fastest Pizza Maker competition in 1982 to “honor pizza makers who best exemplify the company’s philosophy of keeping efficiency in the store to allow sufficient time for safe, timely pizza delivery.”
Delcid started working for Domino’s as a part-time door hanger and customer service representative in 2012. He worked his way up to becoming a general manager in 2015. He currently works for franchisee John Barber and his operating partner, Robert Donner, who own 62 Domino’s stores throughout Virginia, Maryland and North Carolina.
This was Delcid’s first win in the event and his third time to compete. It marked his second time as a finalist.
