Raileigh Browning and Sam Ferguson, both employees at Pizza Hut in Pahrump, recently represented the United States at the prestigious Global Pizza Hut Championships in Dubai after winning the National Championship earlier this year. This international competition brought together the best cooks and restaurant general managers (RGMs) from 12 countries, showcasing their skills in a highly competitive environment. Despite their youth and relatively limited experience, Raileigh and Sam impressed the judges and placed fifth, an incredible achievement for first-time participants.
“We’re incredibly proud,” said Raileigh. “It was our first time participating, and the U.S. had never been part of this event before. We were learning as we went, but it was such an amazing experience.”
The journey to Dubai began with an extraordinary travel experience for the two. Flown business class on what they described as one of the best flights available, Raileigh and Sam were treated to a level of service they had never experienced. “We felt like high-profile people,” Raileigh said. “The lounges, the service, everything was top-notch. It was surreal.” This sense of being valued and appreciated carried through the entire trip, leaving a lasting impression on the duo.
When they arrived in Dubai after a 14-hour flight, the city’s energy and scale were immediately apparent. They navigated the bustling streets and crowded airport, adjusting to a culture vastly different from what they were used to. “The driving was something else,” Sam said with a laugh. “You just had to trust the drivers. This is their life—they know what they’re doing.”
The competition itself was held over several days and began with a briefing where Raileigh and Sam met the judges and learned the rules. It was during this time that they realized the U.S. team was at a disadvantage. “The U.S. does things differently,” Sam explained. “We use different tools, different cheese, and have different specifications. The other teams were already familiar with the format, and we were figuring it out as we went.”
Despite the challenges, the pair quickly adapted. A practice session the day before the competition allowed them to familiarize themselves with the tools and techniques used by other teams. “It was a relief to get hands-on with their tools and materials,” Sam said. “It helped build my confidence after seeing how different everything was.”
To boost their confidence on the day of the briefing, Raileigh and Sam were surprised with special Pizza Hut jackets gifted by their corporate team. These weren’t just any jackets—they were exclusive, limited-edition designs typically given only to celebrities and influencers endorsing the brand. The leather racer-style jackets featured Pizza Hut patches, the establishment year, and a vintage logo, exuding a professional and high-end look. “They were the coolest jackets I’ve ever seen,” Raileigh said. “When we walked into the room wearing them, everyone turned to look. It made us feel like we truly belonged there.” The unexpected gift not only added to their morale but also helped them stand out among the other competitors.
On the day of the competition, Raileigh and Sam decided to focus on precision rather than speed. “We wanted to make sure every pizza looked perfect,” Sam said. “It wasn’t just about being fast; it was about hitting all the marks.” Their meticulous approach paid off, as their pizzas stood out for their attention to detail. Judges and spectators alike praised their work, and one American judge even told them that their stuffed crust pizza was the best the judges had seen all day.
Though the competition was intense, Raileigh and Sam also took time to enjoy the unique experiences Dubai had to offer. They participated in a yacht tour of the Dubai Harbor and visited the massive Atlantis water park. They also explored local markets, experiencing the vibrant culture and customs of the city. The competition itself was something they won’t forget anytime soon. “It was eye-opening,” Raileigh said. “Meeting people who are just as passionate about pizza as we are and seeing how much pride they take in their work—it was inspiring.”
The pair were also impressed by the support from event sponsors, which included Red Bull, Ben & Jerry’s, Coke, Schweppes, Pepsi and more. They were also treated exceedingly well by the Global event organizers. “Every night, we’d come back to the hotel to find something like JBL headphones or a handwritten note reminding us we were an inspiration,” Raileigh noted. “It made us feel truly special.”
Finishing fifth in a competition against seasoned teams from countries like Bahrain, Guatemala, and Egypt was a remarkable achievement, especially considering this was the U.S.’s first time participating. Reflecting on their performance, Raileigh and Sam identified areas for improvement. “We learned so much,” Sam said. “If we compete again, we’ll know what to expect and how to prepare. We’ll be faster without sacrificing quality.”
For Raileigh, the experience reinforced the value of their work. “This isn’t just a fast-food job,” she said. “It showed us how much pride we can take in what we do. It’s something I wish more people in our company could experience.”
With their newfound knowledge and determination, Raileigh and Sam are eager to compete again and represent the U.S. on the global stage. “We’ve already started thinking about how we can improve,” Sam said. “We’re ready to represent the U.S. again and do even better.”
Their journey serves as a testament to their dedication and skill, showing that with hard work and a passion for excellence, even a small-town team can shine on the world stage. For Raileigh and Sam, the Global Pizza Hut Championships were more than a competition—they were a transformative experience that underscored the value of teamwork, preparation, and perseverance.
