The Championship was born in 2007 with an annual cadence. However, Roberto Panizza, the entrepreneur behind the event, explained: "After a while we realized that we were doing it practically full time and so we made it biennial". Panizza is a prominent figure in the Genoese gastronomic scene, a producer of pesto and manager of gourmet shops, as well as a restaurateur with "Il Genovese" in the city and in Boccadasse.

Every two years, 100 competitors from all over the world compete in the evocative setting of the Salone del Gran Consiglio of the Palazzo Ducale. This historic location creates a unique atmosphere, rich in history and passion for gastronomy.
Each competitor receives the same high-quality ingredients: Genoese basil DOP, Ligurian extra virgin olive oil, Mediterranean pine nuts, Pecorino Fiore Sardo DOP, Parmigiano Reggiano DOP, Vessalico garlic and Trapani sea salt. Using the traditional mortar and pestle, the participants work with skill and precision to create the perfect pesto, evaluated according to rigorous parameters by a jury of experts.