Sydney pizza maker Daniel Semrani has been named Pizza Maker of the Year 2026 at the 50 Top Pizza World 2026 Awards.

Daniel owns Gigi’s at Balmain in Sydney, which was also named as number 16 on the global list and counts celebrity chef Jamie Oliver among its fans.

The global recognition comes after Daniel was named as the number one pizza maker in Australia, and the top Pizza Maker of the Year – Asia Pacific earlier this year.

When sharing the win on Instagram Daniel wrote, “In Naples, the dream became real. No.16 Pizzeria in the World 2026. Pizza Maker of the Year – World 2026.”

“Australia, this one is for you.

“There are people who talk, and there are people who show up. I’ve shown up for 16 years every single day.

“I’m honoured to receive these awards and I stand by everything that got me here.”

Daniel has forged a named for himself thanks to his inventive and distinctive pizza that blends Roman and Neapolitan styles.

Gigi’s at Balmain was previously ranked 29th in 2025 and 33rd in 2023.

Established in 2017, 50 Top Pizza has been likened to the Michelin Guide for pizza. The 50 Top Pizza World 2026 Awards were held in Naples in September.