The final of the 6th Gipuzkoa Pintxos, Banderillas, and Miniature Cuisine Championship was held this Wednesday, October 7, at the Kursaal Auditorium, as part of the official program of San Sebastián Gastronomika Euskadi Basque Country for the first time. The event brought together industry professionals, institutional representatives, and members of Gipuzkoa’s hospitality sector to highlight the creativity, talent, and innovation of the establishments participating in this sixth edition, which solidifies the competition’s status as one of the premier showcases for pintxo culture—an essential element of the region’s gastronomic identity.

The jury, composed of culinary experts, journalists, and industry representatives, awarded the competition’s two main honors: the award for Best Pintxo or Banderilla in Gipuzkoa 2026, which went to Tatapas Gastroteka for its entry Nigiri Txistulari, and the award for Best Miniature Cuisine Entry in Gipuzkoa 2026, awarded to Atari Gastroteka for its entry Pochas con Kokotxa. Second place went to Cafetería Naroa for Txipiroa (Pintxo/Banderilla category) and to Karlos Arguiñano for Marea Baja / Marmitako (Miniature Cuisine category). In addition, the jury selected Karlos Arguiñano’s “Marea Baja / Marmitako” to represent Gipuzkoa at the National Pintxo and Tapas Championship at Madrid Fusión.

The event was attended by the president of Hostelería Gipuzkoa, Mikel Ubarrechena, who highlighted the work that goes into each entry: “A pintxo may seem small. The work behind it is anything but.” “That’s why this championship exists: to highlight that work and to give those who do it well a place to showcase it,” he noted.

Ubarrechena pointed out that “a championship only has impact if many professionals put their best entry on the line” and that this year “we’ve once again broken participation records,” for which he thanked all entrants for their trust. He described the competition’s arrival at Gastronomika as “the biggest leap this competition has taken in its six editions.”

For her part, Clara Navas, Director of Tourism and Hospitality for the Basque Government, emphasized that “this competition is now a well-established event on Gipuzkoa’s gastronomic calendar and a magnificent showcase of the talent that exists in our region. The pintxo is part of our culinary identity and is also one of our best calling cards for tourism: small creations capable of bringing together local produce, expertise, creativity, and a very unique way of understanding gastronomy. Events like this help recognize the work of our professionals, boost the hospitality industry, and showcase the quality of Gipuzkoa’s cuisine. “As institutions, we are committed to continuing to support initiatives that highlight those who make the Basque Country a leading gastronomic destination and that help our gastronomy continue to evolve and generate new offerings.”

On behalf of the Provincial Council of Gipuzkoa, Azahara Domínguez, Provincial Councilor for Mobility, Tourism, and Land Use Planning, emphasized that “the level of excellence demonstrated here, once again, has been exceptional, which proves once more that our gastronomy has a bright future ahead and that, generation after generation, we continue to surpass ourselves.”

The event concluded with a networking session at Muka, where participants, the jury, and guests were able to celebrate the high standard demonstrated in this edition. With this new final—and its integration into San Sebastián Gastronomika Euskadi Basque Country—Hostelería Gipuzkoa reaffirms its commitment to promoting pintxo culture and fostering the professional talent that underpins Gipuzkoa’s culinary reputation.