Risotto Challenge - Giampi Trophy
The charity gastronomic competition featuring surprise risottos on Lake Maggiore
About Risotto Challenge
A risotto showdown on Lake Maggiore
The Risotto Challenge - Giampi Trophy is one of the most beloved culinary events in Baveno, an elegant tourist destination overlooking Lake Maggiore in the Province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola (VB), Piedmont. It is a convivial and charitable competition where three local committees face off at the stove, each with their own "surprise" risotto: a secret recipe revealed only when served.
Three committees, three surprise risottos
Competing for the trophy are the Oltrefiume Festival Committee, the Feriolese Festival Committee, and the Circool of Baveno. Each team prepares a large batch of risotto for the public to sample; diners receive all three offerings on their plate and act as the popular jury, voting to crown the winning dish. This simple, engaging format turns the dinner into a true village competition, fueled by local pride and a spirit of friendship.
A charitable event
The event is coordinated by the Un Salto Nel Passato Association together with the three committees, with the support of local entities such as the Baveno Red Cross, the Alpini Group, and the local Baveno Web Radio. The heart of the Risotto Challenge is solidarity: the funds raised are donated to the committees' activities and concrete local projects, ranging from support for the elderly to the purchase of safety equipment for the community. The trophy is named after Gianpaolo Cirtoli, known as "Giampi," a beloved figure in Baveno's community life.
A festive evening
Beyond the competition, the evening comes alive with music and DJ sets courtesy of Baveno Web Radio, in a square overlooking the lake that becomes the community's open-air living room. Between bites, residents and tourists share tables in an informal, family-friendly atmosphere, discovering the most authentic conviviality of the Municipality of Baveno and its corner of Lake Maggiore.
Risotto Challenge — edition 2026
L'edizione 2026
Sabato 6 giugno 2026, in Piazza Marinai d'Italia a Baveno, è andata in scena una nuova Sfida dei Risotti - Trofeo Giampi. Con l'apertura delle casse alle 18:00 e la distribuzione delle porzioni dalle 19:30, la serata ha visto circa 400 commensali trasformarsi in giuria popolare.
A conquistare il trofeo è stato il Comitato Feriolese, con il risotto allo zafferano e salsiccia preparato dai fratelli Tamborini, davanti alle proposte dei comitati di Baveno e Oltrefiume. La serata, accompagnata dal DJ set di Baveno Web Radio, ha rinnovato la sua vocazione solidale a favore dei comitati e dei progetti del territorio.
Programme Risotto Challenge 2026
Sabato 6 giugno 2026 — Piazza Marinai d'Italia, Baveno
- 18:00 — Apertura delle casse
- 19:30 — Inizio distribuzione delle porzioni (tre risotti a sorpresa), fino a esaurimento
- In serata — DJ set a cura di Baveno Web Radio
- Votazione popolare e proclamazione del piatto vincitore
I tre comitati in gara: Comitato Festeggiamenti di Oltrefiume, Comitato Festeggiamenti Feriolese e Circool di Baveno. Servizio bevande a cura del Gruppo Alpini; raccolta dei voti con la collaborazione del Consiglio comunale dei ragazzi.
Highlights Risotto Challenge 2026
Vittoria del Comitato Feriolese con il risotto allo zafferano e salsiccia dei fratelli Tamborini. Circa 400 commensali-giurati. Edizione dedicata alla memoria di Gianpaolo "Giampi" Cirtoli, a cui è intitolato il trofeo.
Prices Risotto Challenge 2026
Practical information — Risotto Challenge
Location
The event takes place in Baveno (VB), Piedmont, on the shores of Lake Maggiore. The venue varies by edition: Piazza Marinai d'Italia in the center of Baveno or the Böcc event area in the hamlet of Feriolo.
Getting there
Baveno is accessible by car via the A26 motorway (Baveno exit) and by train via the Baveno-Feriolo station on the Domodossola-Milan line. The event square is just a short walk from the lakefront.
Costs and details
The contribution for the dinner is typically 15 euros, which includes the three risottos, wine or a soft drink, and dessert. Cash desks open and food distribution begins in the evening, while supplies last. Takeaway service is not available, and the event is cancelled in case of bad weather.
Information
Baveno Tourist Office, tel. +39 0323 924632, email [email protected].
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Where does it take place — Risotto Challenge
Piazza Marinai d'Italia
Piazza Marinai d'Italia, 28831 Baveno