"Happy, Happy, Happy" Sri Lankan Baker Wins Paris Best Baguette On His First Try | VERTEX

Sithamparappillai Jegatheepan, a 43-year-old Sri Lankan-born baker, was mobbed by celebrating customers at his Paris bakery Friday — a day after winning the French capital's coveted best traditional baguette prize on his very first attempt. "I never thought I would win the competition. It was the first participation for me, and I won the first time," a beaming Jegatheepan told reporters at his Le Fournil Didot bakery in the 14th arrondissement. Jegatheepan arrived in France in 2003, worked in restaurants for years, and only turned to baking in 2008 — learning entirely on the job with no formal training. His baguette beat more than a hundred entries judged on appearance, aroma, quality of bake, taste, and crumb structure, earning him a 4,000-euro prize and the extraordinary honour of supplying baguettes to the French president's office for an entire year. The heartwarming victory has captured Paris, with loyal customers lining up to congratulate the baker and his team. Jegatheepan joked that his daughter had told him he "wouldn't be allowed home" if he didn't win — and that she was overjoyed when he called with the news. #ParisBaguette #BestBaguette #Paris #France #Baguette #FrenchBread #Jegatheepan #ParisBaker #FrenchCulture #BaguettePrize #ParisFood #FranceNews _______________________________ Welcome to VERTEX – Your Hub for Global Politics, Geopolitics & International News VERTEX brings you in-depth analysis, breaking updates, and expert insights on the world’s most critical political and geopolitical developments. From the Ukraine war, Middle East conflicts, and US & UK political dynamics to evolving global alliances and policy shifts, we explore not just what is happening, but why it matters. Our content features expert explainers that break down complex issues, exclusive interviews with analysts, diplomats, and policy experts. Timely crisis updates and policy breakdowns that reveal the strategies behind the headlines. We also provide geopolitical deep-dives on global conflicts, international relations, and shifting power dynamics. From breaking news to in-depth analysis, Vertex helps you navigate global politics with clarity, context, and perspective. Find us on YouTube at Vertex, Vertex News, Vertex Live, Vertex News Live, Vertex Live News, Vertex News Today for the latest international updates, world news, and geopolitical news. Subscribe now and hit the bell icon to get daily updates on geopolitics, global affairs, and international news, directly from experts and reliable sources. #Vertex #GlobalPolitics #Geopolitics #InternationalNews #UkraineWar #MiddleEastConflict #USPolitics #WorldNews