Complete guide to the Best of the Best: dates, prizes & how to join
As every year, the countdown to our Best of the Best contest has begun! To make sure you’ve got everything you need right at your fingertips, we’ve put together this quick Q&A guide so nothing slips through the cracks.
What is the Best of the Best?
The Best of the Best is our annual video contest designed to celebrate the incredible work of roofers who bring projects to life using our natural slate. Every year you amaze us with spectacular creations. Jump in and show the world your talent and craftsmanship!
Who can participate?
Any installer or roofing contractor that has completed a project using our natural slate is welcome to participate. Big or small, classic or modern, if you want to share your project, this contest is for you.
What requirements must the project meet?
There’s only one: the project must be made with our natural slate.
As for the video… total creative freedom! Vertical or horizontal, cinematic shots, drone footage, a POV of an installation technique: you name it. Let your imagination run wild!
The length is flexible too, though somewhere between 45 seconds and 2 minutes usually works best to showcase all the details.
How do I submit my project?
Super easy: just upload your video using this form.
What’s the deadline?
You can submit your video until November 30. However, don’t leave it for the last minute to avoid any hiccups.
How does the public voting work?
All videos will be grouped by country. From December 2 to December 4, public voting will be open on our blog so anyone can choose their favorite project in each group. Don’t worry! We’ll share the links when the time comes so you can spread the word and gather support.
How is the final winner chosen?
The most voted video in each group will automatically move on to the final round. From there, an international jury of highly respected professionals in the natural slate industry will choose the overall winner. The grand winner will be announced on December 16.
Who’s on the jury?
Matt Timby – United Kingdom: Owner of Matt Timby Limited and an award-winning installer in multiple disciplines, including natural slate. Master Craftsman, Skillbuild judge, and mentor to the UK’s national team of young roofers. He has lived and breathed roofing since his apprentice days.
Sébastien Therenty – France: Installer since the age of 14, from apprentice to business owner. He has worked on iconic Parisian rooftops, including the Arc de Triomphe, Ivry-sur-Seine Town Hall, and the Royal Stables of Versailles. A strong advocate for the trade and passionate about training future generations.
Severino González – Spain: Manager of the Galicia Slate Cluster and the National Slate Federation. Linked to the industry since 1989, he began as a legal advisor and has since become a key figure in promoting natural slate throughout Spain. He has lectured in architecture schools and professional associations nationwide.
Henri Lefin – Belgium: He literally grew up on rooftops and installed his first slate at age 12. After learning the craft in the family business, he founded his own company in 1997, which he has co-managed with Sandra Swennen since 2000. A true craftsman with a deep passion for natural slate installation.
Heidi J. Ellsworth – United States: Roofing professional since 1993, with experience at Malarkey Roofing, Carlisle Construction Materials and EagleView. She is currently President of RoofersCoffeeShop® and runs HJE Consulting. Co-founder of National Women in Roofing (NWIR) and winner of the prestigious WORLD Award in 2020.
What prizes are there?
This year’s edition is packed with prizes and exciting new additions:
- Just for participating: everyone who submits a video will receive a goodie bag with tools and workwear. Plus, your project and company will gain international visibility through our channels no matter the result.
- Prizes for each group winner: new this year, each group winner will receive an exclusive commemorative hammer created specially for the Best of the Best.
- Prize for the final winner: the overall champion will enjoy an all-expenses-paid trip to Spain, including a visit to our quarries and a once-in-a-lifetime experience: attending a Real Madrid match at Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.
What are the key dates?
Here are the dates you’ll want to mark on your calendar:
- Video submissions: until November 30
- Public voting: December 2–4 on our blog
- Country winners announcement: after public voting closes
- International jury voting: after the public phase
- Final winner announcement: December 16
Who can I contact if I have questions?
You can reach us through whichever channel suits you best: social media, by email at jhernandez@cupapizarras.com, or by filling out our contact form. We’ll be happy to help!
