CERRONE’S PIZZERIA CAPTURES WORLD PIZZA CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE
May 06, 2025 ● By Bill Evans
Leo DiCesaris, owner and head pizzaiolo at Cerrone’s Brick Oven Pizzeria, brought home a world title in March that has the entire Columbus community buzzing with pride. Competing in the prestigious World Pizza Championship during the International Pizza Expo in Las Vegas on March 26–27, DiCesaris was crowned Best Pizza Maker in the World.
A familiar face at this annual global event, DiCesaris has been fine-tuning his craft at Cerrone’s for the past decade. This year, his artistry and innovation in pizza-making earned him not only the international title, but also solidified Cerrone’s reputation as “Best in the Southeast”—an honor the pizzeria has now claimed twice.
The competition was fierce and fair, featuring blind judging by a panel of elite culinary experts. Each contestant had 30 minutes to craft their pizza masterpiece—on dough that had been prepared five days in advance using a natural fermentation process involving yeast extracted from grapes and apples.
So, what set Leo’s pizza apart from the rest?
“The dough was very fruitful,” DiCesaris explained. “I used imported Italian flours, hickory and cherry smoked mozzarella, and a very special pig from Spain to hand-carve chorizo.” He topped it all with pistachio-encrusted pears, a delicate wine glaze, and layers of Spanish cheese.
Was that everything?
With a smile typical of a seasoned champion, Leo added, “There was probably a little more.” But when asked what that “more” might be, he simply winked—and kept the secret ingredient under wraps.
The team at Chattahoochee Valley Living and Dining for Charities extends heartfelt congratulations to Leo DiCesaris on this monumental achievement. Ever humble, Leo gives full credit to his faith: “The glory goes to God for blessing me with this gift.”
Beyond his culinary accolades, Leo and Cerrone’s remain deeply rooted in the Columbus community. Cerrone’s proudly participates in the Dining for Charities program, where each purchase helps support local nonprofits. You can pick up Cerrone’s Dining for Charities certificates at www.diningforcharities.com.
So next time you’re craving pizza, skip the chain spots and head to Cerrone’s Brick Oven Pizzeria—home of the World’s Best Pizza Maker, right here in Columbus, Georgia.