Emanuele Malara, the talent behind Ciccio’s Pizza and Gelato, shot to national acclaim after winning the Australia’s Best Pizza Award at Food & Hospitality Week 2025 in Melbourne. His signature style – rooted in authentic Italian technique and elevated by bold, local flavour – earned widespread praise and media attention, with features in TimeOut, Sitchu, The Weekend Edition Gold Coast and the Gold Coast Bulletin.

Now, Emanuele brings his award-winning palate to the judging panel of the State of Origin Pizza Competition, where he’ll help decide which state reigns supreme in this epic battle of the slices.