Coupe du Monde de la Pâtisserie 2017: 16 Beautiful Desserts

France have emerged victorious after two days of fierce competition at the Coupe du Monde de la Pâtisserie 2017, the World Cup of Pastry, at the Sirha trade show in Lyon.

The French Team, composed of Etienne Leroy, Bastien Girard and Jean-Thomas Schneider beat Japan into second place, while Switzerland claimed third. France also won the Vase de Sèvres for most beautiful composition.

Each of the 22 teams competing had to submit three different desserts – one frozen fruit (x3), one chocolate (x3) and one plated (x15) – as well as 'artistic creations' in sugar, chocolate and ice (one of each).

After the results had been announced, an elated Etienne Leroy thanked the passionate, special t-shirt wearing French supporters in the grandstand, who had been cheering them on throughout: "We won thanks to all the people that stand behind us. We won because we had the best supporters ... it feels magical ... I'm so proud to join the champion's family. And this is just the beginning of a new adventure!"

Coupe du Monde de la Patisserie 2017 Winners

Leroy's wife Noémié, who helped design the team's ice sculpture, said through tears, "He's got it ... he's finally got it," while Jean-Thomas Schneider dedicated the win to "France, its people and its savoir-faire."

According to President of the Jury Kamal Rahal Essoulami, it was close for first and second place, but France had the edge when it came to technique. Take a look at 16 beautiful desserts from the Coupe du Monde de la Pâtisserie 2017 below.

Sirha also plays host to the Bocuse d'Or Finale 2017 sponsored by S.Pellegrino, the world final of the globe's most prestigious culinary competition where 24 of the best chefs in the world will be battling it out for gold. Follow all the action from the Bocuse d'Or 2017 on Fine Dining Lovers and across social media with #SanPellegrinoatBocuse.

Clockwise from top left, below: France, Singapore, Egypt, India