Charleston’s Mike Pitera Wins Galbani Pizza Cup Championship, Heads to Italy in 2027
A Charleston-area pizza maker is headed to the world stage after bringing home a major championship from Orlando, Florida.
Mike Pitera, owner of Pizza A Modo Mio, earned first place and the Grand Champion title at the 2026 Galbani Professionale Pizza Cup, held October 25–27 during the Pizza Tomorrow Summit and Florida Restaurant Show.
The victory earned Pitera a trip to Parma, Italy, where he’ll compete in the World Pizza Championship in April 2027.
But the championship wasn’t the only reason for the Pizza A Modo Mio team to celebrate.
Three honors for the Charleston team
According to a press release shared directly with What’s Going On In Charleston, the team earned three competition honors during the three-day event.
In addition to Pitera’s championship victory, he finished third in the fastest pizza box folding competition.
His wife, Julie, and teammate LJ also earned second place in the Pizza for 2 competition during their first appearance as competitors.
The duo spent weeks preparing their creation, The Citrus Smoke, featuring mozzarella, smoked Gouda, caramelized onions, bacon, and whipped ricotta finished with orange zest and fresh thyme.
“Winning Grand Champion is an incredible honor, especially competing alongside so many talented pizza makers,” Pitera said.
“But watching Julie and LJ take second place in their very first competition made this trip even more special. I saw the work they put in, and I couldn’t be prouder of them.”
From New York roots to international competition
Pitera began making pizza at age 15 and eventually brought his passion for the craft to the Charleston area.
A member of the U.S. Pizza Team, he operates Pizza A Modo Mio and its sister concept, A Taste of Rome by Pizza A Modo Mio.
According to the team’s announcement, Pitera also became an official Galbani ambassador during the Orlando competition.
The achievement adds another chapter to his career as he prepares to represent Charleston and the United States on the international stage.
Bringing the victory home
For Pitera, the recognition represents more than personal achievement.
“We’re excited to bring these wins home to Charleston,” he said. “Our employees, customers and community have supported us throughout this journey.”
The upcoming international competition will take place April 6–8, 2027, in Parma, Italy.
Charleston will have another hometown competitor to cheer for when Pitera takes his talents overseas.
Learn more about Pizza A Modo Mio: ModoMioPizza.com
