It was chosen by an international jury of professionals. The best praline in the world competition is part of the World Chocolate Masters, the world championship for chocolate makers in Paris.

The finalists at the World Chocolate Masters came from 19 different countries. The event took place at the Salon du Chocolat Professionnel exhibition at Porte de Versailles in Paris. The theme of this year's competition was 'Haute couture'.

Stevenson, originally from Australia, came to Belgium because he wanted to be in "the undisputed cradle of chocolate confection". Stevenson works at Le Saint Aulaye in the Brussels commune of Ixelles.

The winner of this year's competition was Shigeo Hirai of Japan. Stevenson came in eighth place in the overall rankings.

The jury also gave awards for "Best gastronomic chocolate dessert", "Best chocolate pastry" and "Best chocolate showpiece".

And this year additional awards were handed out for "Best chocolate decorated hat" and "International Press Award".

www.worldchocolatemasters.com

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