Previous recipients of this award include many of the current big names in Spanish gastronomy, such as David Muñoz, Ricard Camarena, Rodrigo de la Calle and Óscar Calleja. 

The award is decided by a jury of over 80 national food critics, led by journalist and Madrid Fusión president, José Carlos Capel. The candidates chosen for 2026 are:

Javier Ochoa and Garikoitz Arruabarrena. Masta Taberna (Zarautz, Guipúzcoa); Kiko Rocher and Loli Sambal; Terra (Cullera, Valencia): Mauro Rivas, Armand Vidal and Clara Campoamor. Sol Post (Formentera): Alejandro Ibáñez. Bodega Barahonda (Yecla, Murcia):
 
Iñaki Gómez and Lola Palacio: Alenda (Asturias): Borja Piñeiro and Elia Pereira. Restaurante Lado (Muiños, Ourense): Rubén Suárez and Aarón Berenguer. Orma (Alicante): José María Borrás. Aquiara en Morvedra Nou (Menorca): Marc Pérez and Tània Doblas. La Sosenga (Barcelona)