Wearing the Jacket: Leo Dicesaris on Joining the World Pizza Champions

For years, Leo Dicesaris has been dedicated to perfecting his craft. The owner and head pizzaiolo of Cerrone's Brick Oven Pizzeria has spent decades studying pizza-making traditions, competing at the highest levels and continually pushing himself to improve.

That commitment reached another milestone when he was invited to join the World Pizza Champions, an invitation-only team made up of some of the most respected pizza professionals in the industry.

For Dicesaris, membership represents far more than personal recognition.

"I believe what it takes to be a World Pizza Champion starts with passion, dedication and innovation," he said. "It's about continually raising the bar and elevating the standard of this industry."

Just as important, he said, is helping the next generation of pizzaioli succeed.

"I believe it requires the need to give back to the craft, teaching tomorrow's pizzaiolo for the future."

The invitation was the culmination of a selection process that began before the International Pizza Expo. Unlike traditional associations, World Pizza Champions membership is earned through invitation and is based on skill, character and contributions to the pizza industry.

"I've always thought the WPC would be an incredible group to be a part of," Dicesaris said. "It's something I've always wanted to earn. It's a really special group of incredibly talented operators."

The honor comes during a banner year for Dicesaris, who captured a world championship title at the 2025 International Pizza Challenge and has helped establish Cerrone's as one of the Southeast's premier pizza destinations.

Still, he says the jacket carries responsibilities beyond competition.

"We've been fortunate to constantly be moving in an upward trend before this, but putting on the jacket has changed many aspects of life—making sure I'm more intentional every day of representing what it means to be a part of this team,” he said.

For Dicesaris, joining the World Pizza Champions serves as validation of the mentors, teachers and experiences that shaped his career.

"It's really a dream come true," he said. "To me, it's confirmation that I've honored the craft, the industry and all the teachers I've had over the years to help me be here."

And the journey isn't slowing down anytime soon.

"We still have some exciting team events coming in the next few months, including the next competitions at Pizza Expo in Columbus, Ohio."

Along the way, Dicesaris says having reliable tools has been essential to expanding his repertoire and mastering different pizza styles.

"LloydPans have been a blessing along the way," he said. "The quality of the pans and the consistency it provides has allowed me to expand my expertise into multiple styles."

As he continues to represent both his pizzeria and the World Pizza Champions, Dicesaris remains focused on the same principles that brought him here: honoring tradition, pursuing excellence and helping elevate the craft of pizza making for the next generation.