Rad Pies Wins World Pizza Championship at International Pizza Expo in Vegas

Rad Pies, a little pizza stand in Williamsport, Maryland, has made a big splash in the pizza world by winning the World Pizza Championship at the International Pizza Expo in Las Vegas. Co-owners Ken MacFawn and Chris Hubbard, along with chef Adam Hatfield, entered the competition hoping to pick up some tips on making a better pie, but it turns out they already had some of the best.

Competing against pizza makers from 50 countries around the world, Rad Pies took home the top prize in the pan division with their Detroit-style pan pizza called “In Crust We Trust.” The unique dough, made with a 1-to-1 flour-to-water ratio and allowed to sit for 24 hours, creates a lighter end product that wowed the judges. Loaded with three different types of pepperoni, including some baked into the outer edge of the crust, the pizza stood out for its creativity and innovation.

This win marks the second year in a row that a local pizza maker has taken home a top prize at the competition, showcasing the growing reputation of the D.C. metro area as a pizza destination. Rad Pies credits their success to hard work, dedication, and the support and advice they received from other local pizza makers like Andy’s Pizza.

Despite opening during the pandemic, Rad Pies has persevered and thrived, with the new hardware from their championship win serving as sweet validation for their efforts. Co-owner Chris Hubbard reflects on their journey, saying, “It was a very interesting time for all of us, especially in this business. We decided to push ahead and we knew this was going to be the thing, so this is our future now. It was the right investment. Always invest in yourself, right?”

With their award-winning pizza and newfound confidence, Rad Pies is putting the D.C. metro area on the map as a pizza powerhouse, proving that great pizza can come from unexpected places.