Kumtor’s Chef, Alexander Ipatov, entered the top ten competitors in the Chef of the World 2026 international championship, which took place in China and brought together culinary masters from around the world.

This achievement is the result of years of hard work, a constant search for new ideas, and a genuine love for his profession. Alexander represented Kyrgyzstan with distinction at the international arena, demonstrating a high level of skill and the ability to compete with the world’s finest culinary experts.

In his day-to-day life, his work isn’t tied to competitions or jury evaluations. Every day, he and his colleagues ensure that Kumtor employees, working in challenging high-altitude conditions, receive high-quality and varied meals. But it’s precisely people like these who prove that true mastery is demonstrated, above all, in their daily work.

«We congratulate Alexander Ipatov on this achievement and are proud that Kumtor’s large team includes specialists who honorably represent not only the company but all of Kyrgyzstan internationally,» the statement reads.