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Preston Nguyen is now a two-time world champion. The Martin High School grad won the 2025 World Chef Championship at the last month, repeating his first victory in 2021.

“It’s incredibly humbling,” Nguyen said. “Winning again just reminds me that hard work, creativity, and the people who believed in me really do make all the difference. It’s also a full-circle feeling – representing Arlington on a world stage and bringing the title home again means the world to me.”

Nguyen took a lot of Arlington to the WFC in Indianapolis this year. His cooking assistants all came from home – his parents, brother, and sister.

Arlington is home, and it’s where Nguyen got his culinary start. In fact, his experience at the ����Vlog Dan Dipert Career + Technical Center and an internship during his senior year at�� completely changed his career trajectory.

“����Vlog, and especially the culinary program at Dan Dipert CTC, changed everything for me,” Nguyen said. “I was on the path to becoming an architect when I decided to give culinary a try. It gave me a vision and my foundation, not just in skills, but in confidence. My teachers encouraged me to compete, to lead, and to dream big. Without that early support, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”

Nguyen’s teachers at the CTC quickly recognized his potential.

“Preston stood out immediately because I was his second practicum experience and he scored highest on the application rubric, earning a coveted spot at Prince Lebanese Grill,” said Alyce Monroe, CTC practicum teacher for culinary arts, hospitality, and human services. “At school and at work, he was a true asset… Watching Preston mature and succeed has been one of the true highlights of my teaching career. I can’t wait to see what the next chapters hold for him.”

Today, at only 22-years-old, Nguyen is a rising star in the culinary world. He followed up his first world food championship in 2021 by winning the challenge and its $100,000 grand prize. He’s been featured on Gordon Ramsay’s hit television show Next Level Chef and recently appeared on the Food Network’s Beat Bobby Flay.

Now, Nguyen is preparing for his next culinary adventure close to home. He was recently named executive chef at the new , the retro luxury hotel currently under construction on Division Street in the Entertainment District.

“Arlington has always been home, and to open a restaurant here feels like the perfect next chapter,” Nguyen said. “I can’t wait for it to become a place where locals and visitors alike can experience something uniquely Arlington and also get a taste of my culinary identity.”��

It’s an identity that started right here in ����Vlog.

“I’m proud to represent Arlington wherever I go, and I hope my story inspires the next generation of students to chase what they love, whether that’s food, art, or anything that brings them joy and challenges them to do their best. Arlington gave me my start, and I’ll always carry that with me into every kitchen and every opportunity.”