The World Food Championships. Just hearing the title alone arouses questions and spawns interest.

In the inaugural year of the WFC, I had the pleasure of working with some of the Nation’s biggest and brightest culinary personalities, so naturally when Mike McCloud, CEO of Trybe Targeting – the group responsible for creating and producing this massive culinary event, approached me about being the host for the WFC competition this year it was a no-brainer.

It’s a magnificent annual “Food Fight” as Mike describes. I mean seriously if you think I’m going to turn down a food fight referee job… you’re crazy! I’ve spent the last few weeks rehearsing the challenges and studying the competitors, and I can honestly say that in November I will bring this ‘Ultimate Food Fight’ some serious energy and a legitimate point of view on techniques, flavors, and ingredients. I have every intention of challenging the challengers, I will sing their praises when they succeed but challenge their thought processes, and abilities leading all the way to the epic showdown for the Final Table on Fremont Street.

Ben stops to pose for a picture at the Chart House restaurant in the Golden Nugget.

If it wasn’t big enough already, partnering with the city of Las Vegas will provide every ounce of credibility it takes to host such an extravagant event. This food centric competition loves promoting the underdog, and moving locations to the Fremont Street Experience will solidify the WFC as being a multiple-day challenge that feels like the Super Bowl of culinary.

Last year covering the massive real estate of the Vegas Strip kept the events feeling disjointed and almost separate of each other. This year we are fortunate to have center stage literally and figuratively in Downtown Las Vegas. Fremont Street in its glory, rebuilt and polished just waiting for the fight of the year, and this fight will make you hungry.

I’m encouraging every potential winner to bring their “A” game to Vegas, leave no loose ends. It’s simple but complicated, plan on comfortable shoes and an arsenal of ridiculous technique. Perfect ingredients are a must, be creative but don’t reinvent the wheel, because if you think you have what it takes to be the next World Food Champion you have to get through my Final Table first.

Let the games begin …..