Latest news with #DragonGate
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
From harvest to celebration: World Food Photography Awards winners announced
The winners of the World Food Photography Awards sponsored by Bimi have been announced, highlighting food photography across the globe. Yotam Ottolenghi, a renowned chef, restaurateur and food writer, revealed the winners at an event at the Mall Galleries, London. The awards showcase a diverse range of images across more than 25 categories, including ones dedicated to street food, cakes, innovation, drinks, food prep, photojournalism, harvest and much more. This year's contest saw more than 10,000 entries from 70 countries. The submissions were judged by an extensive panel that included photographers, magazine editors, creative directors, film directors, food retailers and chefs. The best overall winner earned a £5000 prize, along with an exhibition at the Mall Galleries, London. Category winners also have the opportunity to have their work displayed in the exhibition and each receives a trophy. There are individual prizes for each of the different categories as well. To see more of the winning images and learn more about the contest, head to the World Food Photography Awards sponsored by Bimi website. Category: Overall winner and Food for the Family supported by the Felix Project Photographer: Xiaoling Li/World Food Photography Awards sponsored by Bimi® Title: The Elderly Having Delicious Food Photographer's description: In an early spring afternoon in Shuangliu Ancient Town, Sichuan Province, China, five elderly ladies in their eighties sit together. Wearing colourful jackets and wool hats, they happily eat the famous Sichuan snack 'Spring rolls'. A wrap of thin homemade dough, filled with cucumber, carrot and shredded scallions, drizzled with green mustard, Sichuan pepper, red oil, sweet sauce, and sprinkled with sesame seeds. They are 'setting up a Dragon Gate formation' - an expression used in China to refer to neighbourhood friends coming together to chat, gossip and share stories. Food makes these people happy; they enjoy a beautiful and joyful life. Category: Bring Home the Harvest Photographer: Chang Jiangbin/World Food Photography Awards sponsored by Bimi® Title: Net Fish in Water Fields Photographer's description: After the rice harvest, the river water filled the paddy fields, and at some point, some fish from the river ended up here too. After school, the two children went to the field together to catch fish with their covers. Approaching quietly, leaping vigorously, and pouncing towards the target. Category: Đặng Hoài Anh Photographer: Champagne Taittinger Food for Celebration Title: Banh Hoi Cake Photographer's description: Banh hoi is a specialty dish in Vietnam found in many places such as Binh Thuan, Vung Tau, Ben Tre, Phu Yen, Nha Trang and Binh Dinh. The cake is made from rice flour and has an elaborate and meticulous preparation process. Banh hoi is often eaten with scallion oil, roasted meat, grilled meat and pork offal. This is an indispensable dish in holidays, death anniversaries, weddings, and ceremonies at communal houses and pagodas of the people. It is a culinary culture of the locality. Category: Claire Aho Award for Women Photographers Photographer: Lizzie Mayson/World Food Photography Awards sponsored by Bimi® Title: Delfina, A Pasta Granny Photographer's description: This is Delfina, I took her portrait as part of a bigger project documenting pasta grannies in Italy. Here, we are in the region of Lazio. On the bed is an angel hair type of pasta called Fieno di Canepina. It is technically very hard to make: Delfina rolls the pasta out, flicks a huge piece the size of the table out like a bed sheet, folds it concertina style, then slices it up finely. The best part is that she makes this huge amount then delivers it to the local church where they cook it up and feed homeless people. Category: Cream of the Crop Photographer: Dorien Paymans/World Food Photography Awards sponsored by Bimi® Title: Flour Swirl Photographer's description: Part of the series 'Perfectly Imperfect' where I captured the process of baking sourdough bread while incorporating the symbolism of the Japanese Ensō sign (imperfect circle). Preparing food and photography are both mindful activities where calmness and creativity exist in the moment of creation. This makes the combination of both so magical. Category: Overall Winner of Errazuriz Wine Photographer of the Year (and People sub-category) Photographer: Heather Daenitz/World Food Photography Awards sponsored by Bimi® Title: Pinot Noir at Midnight Photographer's description: Under the glow of a tractor's lights, vineyard workers handpick Pinot Noir in the cool, misty midnight air at Sanford & Benedict Vineyard in Sta. Rita Hills, an American Viticultural Area (AVA) located at the western end of the Santa Ynez Valley in California's Central Coast wine region. One worker adds his contribution to the back of the tractor, a cascade of Pinot Noir falling from his picking bin. Category: Hotel Art Group Food Stylist Award Photographer: Costas Millas/World Food Photography Awards sponsored by Bimi® Title: Put All Your Pasta In One Basket Photographer's description: Part of a wider food story concept titled Spaghetti. Traditionally styled in strands and swirls, the concept of pushing how we could capture spaghetti was the focus here. The aim was to painstakingly weave groups of spaghetti strands into this striking graphic pattern. Category: Jamie Oliver Youth Prize 13 -17 Photographer: Indigo Larmour/World Food Photography Awards sponsored by Bimi® Title: Early Morning Puris, Delhi, India Photographer's description: Pooris are a staple breakfast dish in the winding alleyways of Old Delhi. Frequently cooked in huge vats of boiling oil on street corners and served with chole, a chickpea dish. Category: Marks & Spencer Food Portraiture Photographer: Simon Détraz/World Food Photography Awards sponsored by Bimi® Title: Crispy Kale Photographer's description: A drizzle of olive oil, oven at 180°C, salt and pepper, 10 minutes... delicious and so crispy! Category: MPB Award for Innovation Photographer: Pieter D'Hoop/World Food Photography Awards sponsored by Bimi® Title: Laundry Day Photographer's description: Sometimes I have some weird ideas that randomly come to my mind. I had an idea of putting an octopus inside a washing machine or tumble dryer. This is one of the results. Category: Politics of Food Photographer: Jo Kearney/World Food Photography Awards sponsored by Bimi® Title: Afghan Refugee Women Wait for Free Bread Photographer's description: Afghan women sit and wait for free bread handouts at the market as it's difficult for them to earn money. Category: Production Paradise Previously Published Photographer: Diego Papagna/World Food Photography Awards sponsored by Bimi® Title: Sky Mushrooms Photographer's description: Mushrooms enveloped in steam, immersed in a play of light and transparency, evoking the warmth of the kitchen like a sun in the sky. Category: Street Food Photographer: Debdatta Chakraborty/World Food Photography Awards sponsored by Bimi® Title: Ramadan Special Parantha Halwa Photographer's description: During the Ramadan months, Kolkata turns into a foodie's paradise. Just after noon, huge ovens are lit and giant paranthas are prepared for the iftar. Not only Muslims, but people from all communities, throng around the food stalls, making it a culinary haven. Category: The James Beard Foundation Photography Award Photographer: Luke Copping/World Food Photography Awards sponsored by Bimi® Title: Tom Moriarty - Moriarty Meats and Cafe Bar Moriarty, Buffalo NY Photographer's description: Tom Moriarty and his wife, Caitlin, own Moriarty Meats and its adjacent restaurant, Cafe Bar Moriarty. Moriarty Meats is a whole-animal butcher shop in Buffalo, NY, sourcing local meats and inspired by traditional European butcheries. Tom and his team work exclusively by hand. Category: Tiptree Cake Award Photographer: Audrey Laferrière/World Food Photography Awards sponsored by Bimi® Title: Pavlova's Arabesque Photographer's description: None Category: The Philip Harben Award for Food in Action supported by International Salon Culinaire Photographer: Diego Marinelli/World Food Photography Awards sponsored by Bimi® Title: La Matassa. A Real Work of Craftsmanship Photographer's description: Fresh pasta is a symbol that represents the cultural richness of the Italian territory. An image of its processing becomes a means to telling history, traditions and centuries-old passions. Matassa pasta is made in Irpinia in southern Italy with a truly exceptional technique. Category: World of Drinks Photographer: Alessandra Bartoloni/World Food Photography Awards sponsored by Bimi® Title: Sunshine Gin Photographer's description: Sun, ice and a gin tonic. Condensation drips, the table's a mess, and the afternoon heat is winning the battle. But who cares? It's cold, it's strong and it's exactly what this day needed. Cheers to the simple pleasures! Category: The Bimi® Prize Photographer: Ryan Kost/World Food Photography Awards sponsored by Bimi® Title: Buddhist Offerings Photographer's description: Monks at a temple in Angkor Wat, Cambodia prepare traditional Buddhist offerings. This practice is deeply symbolic in Buddhism, often representing celebration, gratitude, respect and devotion to the Buddha, and the teaching and monastic community. The intricate arrangement of fruits and flowers emphasises mindfulness and respect.
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Former Nationwide worker turned wrestling champion to have homecoming match
A wrestler who trained in Swindon is returning to the town as a heavyweight champion for a big match. Eddie Ryan was born in Plymouth but moved to Swindon to train at the Four Front Wrestling Training School, which is known for producing some of the UK's most successful international wrestling stars. While living and working in the town, including time at Nationwide, Ryan developed his craft and laid the foundations for a career that would take him around the world. He has since competed for major promotions including WOS Wrestling and WWE's NXT UK, and has shared the ring with global stars such as Rey Mysterio, Jake Hager (formerly Jack Swagger), challenged Drew McIntyre (then known as Drew Galloway) for the TNA Wrestling World Heavyweight Championship, and defeated former ECW Champion Hardcore Holly. Now returning to the very town where it all began, Ryan will defend his title after recently defeating Bristol's 'The Stallion' Chris Bronson to become the new British Kingdom Pro Wrestling Heavyweight Champion. Recommended reading Swindon make offers to five players as retained list released Local motorcycle racer tipped for glory in championship 'The work never stops' - Holloway hard at work on preparing for next season Kingdom Rising 2025 will be held at the Deanery Academy in Wichelstowe on Saturday, May 10, from 5.30pm. Tickets are still available from Eddie said: 'It's great to return to Swindon, where I lived and worked for many years as I trained to become a professional wrestler. 'The town was my launchpad. It has produced some of the best in the world. I've wrestled internationally, but now to return as champion is a real full circle moment.' Weighing 170 lbs (12 stone) when he began training, Eddie has packed on 62 lbs (4.4 stone) of lean muscle to compete as a Heavyweight, currently standing at 232 (16.5 stone). Kingdom Rising also features Japanese star Ryoya Tanaka. Representing the renowned Dragon Gate promotion in Japan, Ryoya will travel from Nagoya to Swindon as part of a long-standing tradition in which promising Japanese wrestlers are sent overseas to gain experience, exposure to different wrestling styles and to test themselves against top talent in other countries. Ryoya arrives fresh from a major victory over Hyo at Dragon Gate's Dead or Alive 2025 event, held in front of four thousand fans in Japan. A spokesperson for the event said: 'Join us for a family-friendly evening of high-octane action featuring stars from around the world. Witness the homecoming of Eddie Ryan, a champion forged in Swindon.'
Yahoo
13-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Betting on himself has left Ricochet with one major mission: Earning his damn respect
English journalist Richard Hammond, probably best known as the host of BBC's 'Top Gear,' once tried to describe why he's found so much professional success. Instead of talking about all he'd done for people and who helped him along the way, he very concretely talked about the things you normally don't mention as the keys to personal victory: 'I like to think that my arrogance, impetuosity, impatience, selfishness and greed are the qualities that make me the lovable chap I am.' More and more, you'll see people on social media regurgitate messages such as 'there's really no upside to being a good person,' lamenting being decent as if it's some type of detriment. While hyperbolic, there's something to be said about looking out for No. 1 and immediately seeing a change in not only a level of success, but personal satisfaction, and almost a release from the things that may have previously held you back. Ricochet, AEW's newest free agent turned creative success, has played the good soldier most of his televised career, but now that he's willing to do any and all things to solidify his status as one of the top talents on Earth, he's the bad seed ready to grow and overtake any and all doubters. In a world where everyone has 'haters,' where 'nobody believed in us' is the false narrative people use to motivate themselves, Ricochet's problem is the opposite: Everyone's been telling him how great he is all along. 'So many people, when I see them and I run into them, tell me all the time — whether it's 'Lucha Underground' or it's with Will Ospreay or it was in NXT, or there's some point of my career, whether it's the New Japan stuff, Dragon Gate, a lot of stuff too with PAC — I have so many people tell me this specific match or something got me watching wrestling again,' he told Uncrowned. Ricochet has probably been as close to a video-game character as any wrestler to date, with the biggest difference being video games only have so many buttons, so many ways to do something fresh. He spent the first 15 years of his career tearing apart the independent wrestling scene, in particular being one the driving forces of American startups Dragon Gate and Pro Wrestling Guerrilla. He became maybe the most decorated Black wrestler to compete in Japan, winning numerous New Japan Tag Team Titles and 2014's 'Best of the Super Juniors' tournament. Effortlessly athletic, he employed moves never experienced by American crowds in-person, and if they had seen them, they hadn't seen them with the grace and precision he possessed. He jumped higher, he landed smoother, and he made it look easier. And as time passed, he developed that superhero physique to match his skill set — first as the muted, masked Prince Puma in Mexican magic/mystique promotion Lucha Underground, then once more as the more grounded (but almost never on the ground) Ricochet. 'Who's your favorite wrestler? Stone Cold? He thinks it. Who's your favorite wrestler? Triple H? He thinks it. Who's your favorite wrestler? Rey Mysterio? He thinks it. Even if you don't think it, that's OK, because your favorites, they all think it and they all know. Is AJ Styles your favorite? Well, he thinks that I'm really, really good," Ricochet said. "You know what I'm saying? It's all good for me.' There's really no guarantee that leaving WWE for AEW, or vice versa, will make you a bigger star, will make people more fond of your work, or even if it'll make you happy. But that's been true for former WWE talents that have found success if they've taken risks perhaps not allowed under their former employer. Jon Moxley, AEW's first big flip, let go of the zany, unpredictable Dean Ambrose to return to his gritty, grizzled deathmatch roots. Swerve Stickland leaned heavily into hip-hop, urban art and an unrelenting mean streak on his way to world title status, while Toni Storm hopped into a time machine, washed out her colors and found one of the most fun on-screen figures in wrestling with her 'Timeless' persona. So when the rumbles about Ricochet's impending AEW signing got louder this past year, the question was simple: What's he going to do differently? While not consistently at AEW's level, WWE was allowing more and more of the athletic, fast-paced style they'd brought with guys like Ricochet, Carmelo Hayes and Dragon Lee. Ricochet shined in his initial match for the NXT North American Championship. He won both WWE's United States and Intercontinental Championships, feuded with fellow PWG alumni like Styles and Sami Zayn in fantastic bouts. So was it simply a chance for a few new matchups, or would we get something fresh in how he'd be presented? Watching a talent like Strickland, who he'd known for years, break out creatively, definitely made AEW an attractive destination. 'Seeing where he started and then seeing where he ultimately ended up going to and achieving, it was incentivizing," said Ricochet. "Because, again, it's somebody who I know he came up watching me. He came up asking me and Rich Swann for advice. Now to see where he has gone and do the things that he has done, and reached the heights that he's reached, has been really motivating because to see what somebody can achieve on their own, betting on themselves and achieving such popularity and such status in the wrestling world, really made me, again, want to show everybody how much better I was than him.' But where Swerve embraced control, Ricochet committed to chaos. In recent weeks, he's attacked people with scissors, he's used managers as human shields, he's stolen the regalia of stars no longer with us. He's insulted Texas' finest, spitting out rap legend Bun B's world-class hamburgers and even comically referring to him as 'Mr. B.' With every interruption, with every insult, and every Jadakiss 'A Ha!' cackle, you aren't getting something new, you're getting who the guy always was: His own biggest fan. 'This is the culmination of pretending for years, and now no longer having to put on that facade of, 'Man, I hope these people really care,'" Ricochet said. "Because now I can be honest, and now I can talk, and now I can tell the people that I really, really do not care. It's great.' While the mania of it all has been cathartic for him, the foundation is, and always will be, the wrestling. Like fellow Kentuckians Raylan Givens and Boyd Crowder before him, what was hiding behind an early career of hard labor (while the "Justified" leads worked in a coal mine, Ricochet worked in a factory between matches and travel) was the drive and focus to be a significant part of a larger world. It's easy to lose track of just how long Ricochet's been synonymous with top-tier professional wrestling across the world ... unless well, you ask him. 'Nick Wayne is like 19 years old. He's a baby. In 2010, me and PAC was out there killing it Korakuen Hall," Ricochet said. "Then four years before that, I was viral doing double moonsaults in 2006. What year are we picking that I've been relevant? I'm talking about, we're not going to act like I ain't been relevant. We're not going to act like I ain't been the top dog.' He doesn't want to recreate his classic matches, but with AEW having some of his strongest past opponents under the umbrella, he wants everyone to see just how much better he's become. 'The most attractive thing was to get in there with Will [Ospreay] again, was to show everybody how much better I was than him," Ricochet said. "That was the most attractive thing to me because I've been watching. I've seen it. I watched from afar and I saw everything that he was doing "[Fans] bring that [NJPW] match up or something me and Will did, and they say that made them watch wrestling. I understand all that again. Having now the opportunity to get back in there with him, but then now show everybody that I am better than him and I always was better than him, that was attractive to me.' Richard Hammond may be a bit more 'lovable,' but Ricochet feels he's never been better, and he's out to make sure everyone knows that puts them a level beneath him, even if it's at the cost of losing a few supporters along the way.
