Few culinary artists have captivated audiences like Amaury Gauchon, the Swiss-French pastry visionary known as the “Chocolate Guy.” With jaw-dropping chocolate sculptures, a thriving social media presence, and a Netflix series under his belt, Amaury transforms pastry into mesmerizing art. Let’s explore his journey, his creative wizardry, and how he continues to redefine what’s possible with chocolate.
1. From Apprentice to Global Pâtisserie Phenomenon
Born on March 15, 1991, in Cannes, France, Amaury Gauchon was raised near the Swiss border—imbued with both French elegance and Swiss precision. He began his culinary path at age 14, training at École Hôtelière Savoie Leman in Thonon-les-Bains, France, before refining skills in Geneva and eventually becoming Best Apprentice in France in 2010
By age 21, he was already executive pastry chef at Hugo & Victor in Paris. In 2014, he moved to Las Vegas to work at Jean-Philippe Patisserie and launch his global influence
2. Master of Chocolate Sculptures & Pastry Innovation
Guichon isn’t just a chef—he’s a pastry sculptor whose creations include life-sized giraffes, velociraptors, and even functioning chocolate watches. His work blends artistry, technical precision, and edible beauty. One standout: a chocolate giraffe video that became the most viewed TikTok in the U.S. in 2022
He sees his art as limitless: “If I had to choose between chocolate art and pastry creation, I would keep choosing pastry… It’s a much harder exercise… than chocolate showpiece.”
3. Digital Stardom: TikTok, YouTube & Instagram Fame
Since 2016, Guichon has used social media to amplify his reach. Today, he has:
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Over 18 million YouTube subscribers
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Around 15–16 million Instagram followers
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Nearly 24 million TikTok followers
Platforms like TikTok have showcased his chocolate magic to millions, earning him recognition as a digital influencer and a champion of the sweet arts
4. Mentorship on Netflix’s School of Chocolate
In 2021, Guichon took center stage as host and judge on Netflix’s School of Chocolate, a reality series where eight pastry talents faced imaginative, technically demanding chocolate challenges. Unlike high-drama cooking shows, School of Chocolate focused on growth, mentorship, and artistry, eschewing eliminations for constructive feedback
This role elevated his profile in the entertainment world while reinforcing his reputation as a gentle, inspiring mentor
5. Educator and Co-founder of The Pastry Academy
Amaury’s passion for teaching culminated in co-founding The Pastry Academy in Las Vegas with Belgian chef Michel Ernots. Since launching in 2019, the academy offers an intensive seven-week program covering pastry, chocolate showpieces, ice cream, breads, and more
This institution embodies his belief that pastry is both art and accessible craft—a place where aspiring chefs can learn a full-spectrum skillset.
6. Cultural Influence, Achievements & Inspiring Legacy
Beyond chocolate, Guichon’s influence stretches into culture:
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In 2023, he ranked as one of the most-followed chocolatiers globally, with over 50 million social media followers
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He judged the Australian reality show Dessert Masters from 2023 onward
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In 2024, he received a Guinness World Record for his giant chocolate banana sculpture and crafted a chocolate LEGO sculpture for Rihanna to gift ASAP Rocky
From emotional beginnings—”told by teachers he’d never amount to anything”—Guichon’s dedication turned skepticism into sensational success
Conclusion
Amaury Gauchon stands at the intersection of culinary mastery, creative imagination, and digital innovation. His stunning chocolate artistry, coupled with his roles as mentor, instructor, and content creator, have reshaped what the world expects from pastry. From humble beginnings to international fame, Guichon proves that passion, precision, and storytelling—whether through a 2-meter chocolate sculpture or a seven-week academy—can turn dreams into unforgettable reality.
