Lluc Crusellas’ chocolate elephant was recognized by an international jury of pastry chefs and chocolatiers, a jury presided by chocolate celebrity Amaury Guichon.

Eighteen chefs will put their skills to the test during the finals for the eighth edition of the World Chocolate Masters, set for Oct. 29-31 at the Salon du Chocolat in Paris.

Chef Christophe Rull won the U.S. selection round of the Cacao Barry World Chocolate Masters, held Oct. 7-8 at the Chocolate Academy in Chicago. He’ll face the best pastry chefs from around the world next year in the World Chocolate Masters final.

Elias Läderach of Switzerland won the 2018 World Chocolate Masters competition, sponsored by brand Cacao Barry at the Salon du Chocolat in Paris last week. Florent Cheveau, executive pastry chef for the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, placed third.

It’s hard to believe that this week — yesterday, to be exact — marks my one-year anniversary as a full employee of Candy Industry Magazine. And what a year it has been.

After three hours of intense, precise work, Jove Hubbard sat bleary-eyed in the lobby of the Chicago Chocolate Academy.

Florent Cheveau, executive pastry chef at the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, will represent the United States in the 7th World Chocolate Masters competition, sponsored by Cacao Barry.