Dominican Republic- Mayo Burger Tour

online - August 2023

VIEW SITE

Dubai- Cucina del Sul, Battle of the Burgers

in Dubai, - September 2023

Announcing four competitions to qualify the best teams from Dubai to WFC2023 this fall! Battle of the Burgers will award a Golden Ticket to WFC’s World Burger Championship. UAE BBQ Championship will award a Golden Ticket to the World Barbecue Championship. Delicious Desserts will award a Golden Ticket to World Dessert Championship. And, Best of the Bowls will award a Golden Ticket into the World Rice/Noodle Championship! VIEW SITE

Alabama Coasting- Best of the Bay Gumbo Championship

in Fairhope, AL on October 15, 2022

The Eastern Shore Kiwanis hosted their 11th  annual Best of the Bay Gumbo Championship in downtown Fairhope on October 22. With over 30 teams participating, the competition was fierce. In partnership with Alabama Coasting, the gumbo cook off has been a World Food Championship Qualifier for the last three years. Also, for two of the last three years, Stevie Watford of Stevie's Kitchen captured the Golden Ticket. Proceeds from this event help support the Kiwanis' community outreach programs and other good works. VIEW SITE

Baconfest MKE

in Milwaukee, WI on February 26, 2023

Experience the sizzle of 102.9 THE HOG's 11 th Annual BACONFEST Milwaukee presented by Farmland on Sunday, February 26th, 2023 at Potawatomi Hotel & Casino! Hungry HOG Heads will devour unique bacon creations along with some classic favorites prepared by Southeast Wisconsin’s best chefs and restaurants! As a Preferred Qualifier, BACONFEST will award a Golden Ticket into WFC’s 2023 Bacon World Championship. VIEW SITE

Taste of America- Bolner's Fiesta Lime Pepper

online on February 28-March 6, 2023

The World Food Championships’ largest online recipe contest, Taste of America, will be offering up numerous opportunities for qualification and free entry into 2023’s Main Event. Bolner's Fiesta Products, Inc. who is returning for their sixth year as a WFC Sponsor, is hosting the very first Taste of America of the 2023 Season. The top 3 winners will receive a waived Golden Ticket to compete this year in the category of their choice (and depending on availability). VIEW SITE

Taste of Lake Murray

in Columbia, SC on March 2, 2023

Lake Murray Country's most popular "Party with a Purpose" returns March 2, 2023 at the DoubleTree by Hilton! This exciting evening of regional cuisine, fabulous drinks, amazing music and fun with Lake Murray friends is the sole fundraiser for the Annual 4th of July Celebration on Lake Murray! The funds raised at A Taste of Lake Murray help light up the sky with fireworks the Saturday PRIOR to the 4th of July, scheduled this year for Saturday, July 1, 2023. So, grab your friends and get your tickets today! The top two winners will received a waived Golden Ticket to compete this year at the World Food Championships! VIEW SITE

Gulf Coast Beer and Bacon Festival

in Gulfport, MS on March 4, 2023

The Gulf Coast Beer and Bacon Festival is heading into year 4 and has been sold out each year. We have over 30 breweries, over 90 brews, home brews and over 15 restaurants, food trucks on site sharing tastings for People's Choice Awards. Our event is one of the Gulf Coast's favorites and we are working on growing into a multi-day event. We have our event at the home of "Terror on the Coast", one of the largest haunted houses with props from the big screen movie sets. It is an awesome event, and one that gains in exposure each year and is a Southeastern draw. We use a grant from Visit Mississippi to help promote & bring in partners from California and New Orleans. Through our People’s Choice vote, we’re awarding a waived Golden Ticket opportunity to the BACON WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP at WFC2023. All proceeds go to Mississippi Heroes - an organization that celebrates everyday family & professional caregivers like heroes! VIEW SITE

Restaurant Association of Maryland- Battle of the Bridge

in Ocean City, MD on March 5-6, 2023

In Ocean City on March 5th-6th, four chefs from each side of the Bay Bridge will go head-to-head in a competition that features two elimination rounds. The winners will advance and face off in a final challenge that features locally sourced ingredients from the Maryland Department of Agriculture, Baywater Trading Co., and The Bay Mushrooms. One winner will receive a waived-entry Golden Ticket and $500 cash to compete at WFC2023. To join this competition, email Cori Grafer at cgrafer@marylandrestaurants.com, for more information. VIEW SITE

Taste of America- Blue Smoke Blaire’s BBQ

online on March 14-20, 2023

The World Food Championships’ largest online recipe contest, Taste of America, will be offering up numerous opportunities for qualification and free entry into 2023’s Main Event. The top 3 winners will receive a waived Golden Ticket to compete this year in the category of their choice (and depending on availability). VIEW SITE

Corbin Restaurant Week

in Corbin, KY on March 20-25, 2023

This six-day long dining event is a great opportunity to experience why Corbin is one of the top food destinations in the state. During Restaurant Week, participating restaurants will offer their own signature item (entrée, dessert, drink, appetizer, etc.) at different price points. Signature items are designed to showcase restaurants’ unique offerings and encourage visitors and locals alike to explore the delectable side of the Corbin. Items will be available for this week only and are not part of the regular menu. Fine dining, American, contemporary, and beyond – Corbin has a place at the table for you. As a Qualifying Event Partner, the Corbin Tourism & Convention Commission is awarding a Golden Ticket to the winner of the People’s Choice vote into WFC’s Chef category. VIEW SITE

Nashville Scene- Iron Fork

in Nashville, TN on April 6, 2023

The Nashville Scene’s 14th Annual Iron Fork, presented by US Foods returns with four local top chefs from Music City's best restaurants going head-to-head in a cooking competition to vie for the coveted Iron Fork Champions trophy and entry to the 2023 World Food Championships. The competition's catch? One secret ingredient. Modeled after the popular Food Network television show Iron Chef, chefs will have one hour to prepare a dish that includes a secret ingredient for a panel of celebrity and guest judges. Attendees of the event will enjoy unlimited food samples from some of Nashville’s best restaurants, and a drink passport to try specialty cocktails, beer and wine while watching the fierce competition take place. Guests can get it on the action by joining our amateur hour guest competition or by bidding on a charity auction for one of the plates prepared by the talented chefs. This event proudly benefits the Nashville Food Project and supports The Giving Kitchen VIEW SITE

Indiana State Partner (Culinary Crossroads)

in Indianapolis, IN on April 19-May 10, 2023

Our second-annual Spring Dinner Series, presented by Ivy Tech Community College, takes place April 19 – May 10 at Highland Golf & Country Club and features an incredibly talented culinary lineup. Each week, two chefs will work together on a multi-course menu with dessert created by one of Indy’s top pastry chefs! A portion of the proceeds from the dinners will go to create a culinary scholarship at Ivy Tech – the perfect combination of “great food, great talent, great causes.” VIEW SITE

Arkansas Pie Festival

in Cherokee Village, AR on April 29, 2023

The Arkansas Pie Festival celebrates all things pie and gives bakers and festival attendees opportunity to sample delicious pies and enjoy live music, food trucks, pie eating contest, and a pie auction/shop to purchase pies and pie memorabilia. The festival kicks off with the Pie Day 5k run/walk and culminates with awards for the best bakers and pies. VIEW SITE

Nashville Lifestyles- Battle of the Burger

in Nashville, TN on May 3, 2023

Join us for Battle of the Burger, our annual live cooking competition for best burger in Nashville! This year, we are inviting all ages* to attend so bring the whole family for a night of great food and family-friendly fun. Tickets include all burger samples, one complimentary cocktail for 21+ guests, DJ tunes, a festive photo booth and more! Plus, you’ll get to cast your vote for the best burger. A fan favorite will be awarded the top prize and there will be a judge's choice winner as well! Winner will receive a VIP package to the 11th Annual World Food Championships in Dallas, Texas, where the winner (plus 1) will be trained in the EAT Methodology and serve as a Burger Championship judge during the Opening Round of this epic culinary battle. In addition, the winner will enjoy 2 VIP Lounge passes for the rest of the event, where samples of previous championship dishes will be served. This package, worth over $1500, will give the winner an inside look at the competition's cooking process, judging experience, and successful path toward the $100,000 grand prize that WFC awards one talented cook each year. They will also received a waived entry to compete in the Burger category for 2024, if they wish. VIEW SITE

Hogs 4 Heroes

in Jamestown, RI on May 5-7, 2023

The Hogs 4 Heroes competition will happen at Fort Getty Park and benefits the VFW of Jamestown. On Saturday, the competition features an Ancillary competition as well as a Kid’s Q Pizza. On Sunday, approximately 50 teams will be cooking Chicken, Ribs, Pork, and Brisket. The event is sanctioned by the Kansas City BBQ Society. Fort Getty is primarily a recreational-vehicle campground that also contains a tent camping area. The Park itself has old fortifications, a rocky beach, a public boat ramp, and a dock.  Hogs 4 Heroes will be awarding a waived-entry Golden Ticket into the 2023 World Barbecue Championship. Come out and enjoy the fun for a good cause! VIEW SITE

Get Wild with Wild Rice Recipe Contest

online on May 12-June 12, 2023

If you’ve got the “chops” to match your cooking skills against others in a competition of culinary creativity, then you’ll be in for a “wild” (rice) time! Get Wild with Wild Rice Recipe contest is open May 12 – June 12. Up to 16 finalists, two cash prizes, and a WFC Golden Ticket will be awarded. VIEW SITE

Mac & Cheese Festival in Bismarck

in Bismarck, ND on May 13, 2023

The first annual Mac & Cheese Festival in Bismarck, North Dakota, presented by Dakota Community Bank & Trust is coming to Cottonwood Park on Saturday, May 13th, 2023 from 5-8 PM CT and will feature some of North Dakota’s favorite food spots. Top local restaurants will sample classic and creative mac & cheese dishes as the ultimate celebration of comfort food. We are excited to offer a waived-entry Golden Ticket into WFC’s World Rice/Noodle Championship. It doesn’t get cheesier than this! VIEW SITE

Famous Dave's All-Star BBQ Series- Las Vegas, NV

in Las Vegas, NV on May 13, 2023

The Famous Dave’s All-Star BBQ Series will feature celebrity and local pitmasters during a consumer-facing, multi-category barbecue challenge at select Famous Dave’s restaurants throughout the country. The winning teams will then qualify for the Famous Dave’s All-Star BBQ Championship to be hosted by WFC during its 11th annual tournament in Dallas, Texas this fall. Click here to register for this HOT new BBQ Series! VIEW SITE

Famous Dave's All-Star BBQ Series- El Paso, TX

in El Paso, TX on June 3, 2023

The Famous Dave’s All-Star BBQ Series will feature celebrity and local pitmasters during a consumer-facing, multi-category barbecue challenge at select Famous Dave’s restaurants throughout the country. The winning teams will then qualify for the Famous Dave’s All-Star BBQ Championship to be hosted by WFC during its 11th annual tournament in Dallas, Texas this fall. Click here to register for this HOT new BBQ Series! VIEW SITE

Show Me Series- Taco de SOMO

in Springfield, MO on June 4, 2023

This one-of-a-kind culinary extravaganza will blow your taste buds away as you cheer on your favorite chef noshing on Tacos! It's THE showcase of the best and brightest chefs and home cooks who converge on Springfield, Missouri to compete for a Golden Ticket to the World Food Championships - a shot at being #1 in the world and a chance to win $100,000. This culinary competition of tasty tacos and cool beats has you sipping margaritas and local beer from the moment you arrive, all while elevating your Instagram game getting up close and personal to the cooking action! Our Vendor Village will have Wares for purchase available as you sip and nibble your way through the taco extravaganza! Cast your vote for the Bite of the Nite, tasting each competitors' dish while noted culinary judges determine the Golden Ticket winner using the night's featured plate-up, TACOS! VIEW SITE

Japan Burger Championship

in Tokyo, Japan on June 9-11, 2023

12 competitors will be chosen by document screening from all over Japan to compete at Red Brick Warehouse in Yokohama in June. A live kitchen will be set on the stage and actual competitions will be watched by audience as well as YouTube Live. Rules and judging criteria are basically following WFC’s EAT Methodology, so competitors will be required to make 6 burgers within 90 minutes to be judged on Appearance, Execution, and Taste. The team that wins the competition will receive a Golden Ticket to compete in the BURGER category at WFC2023. VIEW SITE

Famous Dave's All-Star BBQ Series- Hermitage, TN

in Hermitage, TN on June 10, 2023

The Famous Dave’s All-Star BBQ Series will feature celebrity and local pitmasters during a consumer-facing, multi-category barbecue challenge at select Famous Dave’s restaurants throughout the country. The winning teams will then qualify for the Famous Dave’s All-Star BBQ Championship to be hosted by WFC during its 11th annual tournament in Dallas, Texas this fall. Click here to register for this HOT new BBQ Series! VIEW SITE

Miracle League Burger Competition- Little Rock

in Little Rock, AR on June 11, 2023

MLB (Miracle League Burger) Competitions in Little Rock, Sunday, June 11th. The competition is open to Food Enthusiasts, Home Cooks and Professional Chefs who will be stepping up to the plate in hopes of hitting it out of the park with the BEST BURGER in the competition! Judging will be "blind" plus a People's Choice. The overall winner will be awarded a Golden Ticket with entry to compete in the World Burger Championship at the WFC this November in Dallas, Texas! For more information contact miracleleaguear@yahoo.com. All proceeds benefit the Miracle League of Arkansas, which is a baseball league for kids and adults with intellectual and/or physical disabilities. Miracle League…it’s more than baseball! VIEW SITE

Corbin Burger Week

in Corbin, KY on June 12-17, 2023

All week long is a chance for locals and visitors alike to sample some of the best burgers as part of a city-wide celebration. We'll give big love to burgers at locally owned restaurants within city limits, with each participating restaurant offering their own unique culinary treat. Grass-fed, bison, black bean, and everything in between, this is a meaty celebration you won't want to miss! This is your chance to try some of Corbin most delicious belly-bustin' burgers at a price that won't bust your budget. And some lucky restaurant will be winning a Golden Ticket to the World Burger Championship! VIEW SITE

Mohegan Sun- Sun BBQ Fest

in Uncasville, CT on June 17-18, 2023

Sun BBQ Fest celebrates the best in barbecue with lots of food, cold beer, hand-crafted cocktails, and live music. As an official WFC Sanctioned Qualifying Event, Sun BBQ Fest will award three Golden Tickets into Barbecue, Burger and Dessert. VIEW SITE

Famous Dave's All-Star BBQ Series- Long Beach, CA

in Long Beach, CA on June 17, 2023

The Famous Dave’s All-Star BBQ Series will feature celebrity and local pitmasters during a consumer-facing, multi-category barbecue challenge at select Famous Dave’s restaurants throughout the country. The winning teams will then qualify for the Famous Dave’s All-Star BBQ Championship to be hosted by WFC during its 11th annual tournament in Dallas, Texas this fall. Click here to register for this HOT new BBQ Series! VIEW SITE

Restaurant Association of Maryland- MD State Firemen's Association Expo - Cooking with Fire

in Ocean City, MD on June 20, 2023

On June 20th, RAM will host Cooking With Fire, a WFC qualifying competition during the Maryland State Firemen's Association Convention. This competition will be held at the Ocean City Convention Center and will feature local seafood provided by JJ McDonnell and MD's Best. The winner will receive a seafood Golden Ticket to the WFC Finale in Dallas, TX. To join this competition, email Cori Grafer, Events Manager for more information: cgrafer@marylandrestaurants.com VIEW SITE

Australia- Cake, Bake & Sweets Show

in Melbourne, AU on June 30-July 2, 2023

Australians have fallen in love with food and now there is something you can see live, follow and get involved in! GL Exhibitions will be awarding six Golden Tickets into WFC2023. In Melbourne, one Golden Ticket will be awarded into each of the following categories: BBQ, Dessert and Burger. In partnership with the World Food Championships, GL Exhibitions brings a new cooking competition to Melbourne at the Cake, Bake & Sweets Show and the Love Cooking Live! Show. Be sure to sign up to compete at this exciting event for a chance to win a Golden Ticket for WFC2023! VIEW SITE

Famous Dave's All-Star BBQ Series- Addison, IL

in Addison, IL on July 8, 2023

The Famous Dave’s All-Star BBQ Series will feature celebrity and local pitmasters during a consumer-facing, multi-category barbecue challenge at select Famous Dave’s restaurants throughout the country. The winning teams will then qualify for the Famous Dave’s All-Star BBQ Championship to be hosted by WFC during its 11th annual tournament in Dallas, Texas this fall. Click here to register for this HOT new BBQ Series! VIEW SITE

Big Sky Burger Bonanza

in Billings, MT on July 9, 2023

We are scouring the Magic City area for the best of the best entrees for lunch and dinner. Enjoy a live band while the Best Burger competition takes place, with beef sponsored by the Montana Beef Council. The winner of the Big Sky Burger Competition will receive a Golden Ticket to participate at this year's World Food Champions in Dallas, TX! VIEW SITE

Famous Dave's All-Star BBQ Series- Westland, MI

in Westland, MI on July 15, 2023

The Famous Dave’s All-Star BBQ Series will feature celebrity and local pitmasters during a consumer-facing, multi-category barbecue challenge at select Famous Dave’s restaurants throughout the country. The winning teams will then qualify for the Famous Dave’s All-Star BBQ Championship to be hosted by WFC during its 11th annual tournament in Dallas, Texas this fall. Click here to register for this HOT new BBQ Series! VIEW SITE

Korea Burger Championship

in Jung-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea on July 21-22, 2023

Korea Burger championship is an food sports festival where popular burger chefs from all over the country gather to compete in skill and taste, and to eat and support Korean burgers that challenge the world. This year, the event will be held at the Common Ground, a popular commercial facility that attracts more than 10,000 people on weekends. VIEW SITE

Famous Dave's All-Star BBQ Series- Sioux City, IA

in Sioux City, IA on July 22, 2023

The Famous Dave’s All-Star BBQ Series will feature celebrity and local pitmasters during a consumer-facing, multi-category barbecue challenge at select Famous Dave’s restaurants throughout the country. The winning teams will then qualify for the Famous Dave’s All-Star BBQ Championship to be hosted by WFC during its 11th annual tournament in Dallas, Texas this fall. Click here to register for this HOT new BBQ Series! VIEW SITE

Louisiana Experience by D.a.T. Sauce- Bayou BBQ Bash

in Morgan City, LA on July 22, 2023

An exciting three day event, The Bayou BBQ Bash is a BCA Sanctioned State Championship BBQ Competition held “under the bridge” in Morgan City, with live music and vendors. It is coordinated by Bill Goessl and the St. Mary Det. 600 Marine Corps, with the help of local volunteers. “We had a wonderful turnout. “ says Bill Gossel. “The Smithfield Grant increased our prize money to $8,000 and then the Golden Ticket Giveaway brought the Bayou Bash to a whole new level. “ As the new State Qualifier, WFC Louisiana Experience by D.a.T. Sauce will have the opportunity to give away ten “Golden Tickets” to competitors at qualifying events of their creation or choosing to represent the great state of Louisiana at the World Food Championships. It was a perfect fit to give away the first one in their hometown of Morgan City. “This is exciting,” says Scott Green. “Dustin did a fantastic job, and we can’t wait to see him in action in Dallas.” VIEW SITE

HOTel Association of North Texas Chef Showdown

in Dallas, TX on July 24, 2023

WFC and Dallas College hosted a special event for the Hotel Association of North Texas, which includes more than 200 members throughout the North Texas area. Nine of those teams earned their way into the 11th Annual WFC, which will be held at the Centennial Hall of Fair Park, November 8-12. The event is often described as the cooking version of March Madness and attracts more than 300 teams from around the world as they cook their way through challenges that could reward them with more than $100,000 in prize money. VIEW SITE

Famous Dave's All-Star BBQ Series- Billings, MT

in Billings, MT on July 29, 2023

The Famous Dave’s All-Star BBQ Series will feature celebrity and local pitmasters during a consumer-facing, multi-category barbecue challenge at select Famous Dave’s restaurants throughout the country. The winning teams will then qualify for the Famous Dave’s All-Star BBQ Championship to be hosted by WFC during its 11th annual tournament in Dallas, Texas this fall. Click here to register for this HOT new BBQ Series! VIEW SITE

Famous Dave's All-Star BBQ Series- Colorado Springs, CO

in Colorado Springs, CO on August 5, 2023

The Famous Dave’s All-Star BBQ Series will feature celebrity and local pitmasters during a consumer-facing, multi-category barbecue challenge at select Famous Dave’s restaurants throughout the country. The winning teams will then qualify for the Famous Dave’s All-Star BBQ Championship to be hosted by WFC during its 11th annual tournament in Dallas, Texas this fall. Click here to register for this HOT new BBQ Series! VIEW SITE

Restaurant Association of Maryland- The Baltimore Farmers' Market

in Baltimore, MD on August 6, 2023

Exciting news for Maryland's professional chefs, home cooks and pro cooks looking to win their way into the biggest Food Sport competition in the world. The Restaurant Association of Maryland is the exclusive gateway for Maryland cooks to qualify for WFC. WFC hopefuls will have a chance to win one of (10) Golden Tickets to compete in this year’s tournament in one of the following categories: Seafood, Vegetarian, Bacon, Burger, Chef, and Sandwich. VIEW SITE

Restaurant Association of Maryland

in Columbia, MD on August 10, 2023

Exciting news for Maryland's professional chefs, home cooks and pro cooks looking to win their way into the biggest Food Sport competition in the world. The Restaurant Association of Maryland is the exclusive gateway for Maryland cooks to qualify for WFC. WFC hopefuls will have a chance to win one of (10) Golden Tickets to compete in this year’s tournament in one of the following categories: Seafood, Vegetarian, Bacon, Burger, Chef, and Sandwich. VIEW SITE

Huntsville Restaurant Week

in Huntsville, AL on August 11-20, 2023

To celebrate 11 years of Huntsville Restaurant Week, the Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau is dedicating the month of August to all things culinary! Huntsville Restaurant Week is a 10-day celebration (August 11-20) of Huntsville’s diverse local cuisine. Participating eateries and specialty shops offer unique items and/or specials designed to showcase the best of their menus and encourage visitors and locals alike to explore the tastier side of the Rocket City. This year, Huntsville Restaurant Week is partnering again with WFC to add a new element to their culinary celebration! #DineHsv VIEW SITE

Famous Dave's All-Star BBQ Series- San Jose, CA

in San Jose, CA on August 12, 2023

The Famous Dave’s All-Star BBQ Series will feature celebrity and local pitmasters during a consumer-facing, multi-category barbecue challenge at select Famous Dave’s restaurants throughout the country. The winning teams will then qualify for the Famous Dave’s All-Star BBQ Championship to be hosted by WFC during its 11th annual tournament in Dallas, Texas this fall. Click here to register for this HOT new BBQ Series! VIEW SITE

The Raider Red Meats BBQ & Ribeye Championship

in Lubbock, TX on August 18-19, 2023

The Raider Red Meats BBQ and Ribeye Championship is not only the Texas State Championship, but the winner of the Steak portion will qualify for the Live Fire Category at the World Food Championships. This event is the pinnacle of the Raider Red Meats endowment fund which provides scholarships to 10 students within the Texas Tech Davis College of Agriculture and Natural Resources annually! Join us for two days of friendly competition and the best Texas has to offer! VIEW SITE

Taste of TN- Big Beef Showdown

in Lebanon, TN on August 19, 2023

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Famous Dave's All-Star BBQ Series- Rancho Cucamonga, CA

in Rancho Cucamonga, CA on August 19, 2023

The Famous Dave’s All-Star BBQ Series will feature celebrity and local pitmasters during a consumer-facing, multi-category barbecue challenge at select Famous Dave’s restaurants throughout the country. The winning teams will then qualify for the Famous Dave’s All-Star BBQ Championship to be hosted by WFC during its 11th annual tournament in Dallas, Texas this fall. Click here to register for this HOT new BBQ Series! VIEW SITE

Famous Dave's All-Star BBQ Series- Minnetonka, MN

in Minnetonka, MN on August 19, 2023

The Famous Dave’s All-Star BBQ Series will feature celebrity and local pitmasters during a consumer-facing, multi-category barbecue challenge at select Famous Dave’s restaurants throughout the country. The winning teams will then qualify for the Famous Dave’s All-Star BBQ Championship to be hosted by WFC during its 11th annual tournament in Dallas, Texas this fall. Click here to register for this HOT new BBQ Series! VIEW SITE

Show Me Series- Missouri State Partner

online on August 25, 2023

Chefs and home cooks battle for a Golden Ticket to compete at the World Food Championships! This is a series of events awarding 10 Golden Tickets for 2023. VIEW SITE

Famous Dave's All-Star BBQ Series- Taylor, MI

in Taylor, MI on August 26, 2023

The Famous Dave’s All-Star BBQ Series will feature celebrity and local pitmasters during a consumer-facing, multi-category barbecue challenge at select Famous Dave’s restaurants throughout the country. The winning teams will then qualify for the Famous Dave’s All-Star BBQ Championship to be hosted by WFC during its 11th annual tournament in Dallas, Texas this fall. Click here to register for this HOT new BBQ Series! VIEW SITE

AL Coastal Tailgate Cook-Off Challenge

in Orange Beach, AL on August 26, 2023

Attendees will have the opportunity to sample a variety of foods while taking in a game day atmosphere. Tailgating teams will be competing for a coveted golden ticket to the World Food Championships (WFC) in Dallas, Texas as well as people’s choice awards in several categories. Along with celebrating the return of football, this event will act as a kickoff fundraiser for the new CABC Foundation, which will be supporting education efforts in the Coastal Alabama area. VIEW SITE

Military Gateway Partner – United States Coast Guard

online on September 1, 2023

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Big Kahuna Wing Festival

in Knoxville, TN on September 3, 2023

Sunday, September 3rd, 3pm – 9pm at The World's Fair Park, Tickets go on sale July 3rd. This year, the 10th annual Big Kahuna Wing Festival celebrates the creation of the “Buffalo Wing”, which hasbecome a national food icon. Invented in 1964 at the world famous Anchor Bar by Teresa Bellisimo, the popularity of the chicken wing has made it America’s #1 appetizer. Last year alone over 20 billion wings were consumed by Americans, 1.25 billion on Super Bowl weekend alone. The Big Kahuna Wing Festival has become one of the best culinary events in the region. Last year the festival attendees enjoyed over 100 different sauces from 25 different teams representing restaurants, cooking teams, businesses, and The University of Tennessee Culinary Institute. Attendees and visitors come from all over the region. All for the love of the “Buffalo Wing” and to raise money for charity. VIEW SITE

Taste of America- Member's Mark (1st- 5th)

online on September 12-25, 2023

The World Food Championships’ largest online recipe contest, Taste of America, will be offering up numerous opportunities for qualification and free entry into 2023’s Main Event. The top 5 winners will receive a waived Golden Ticket to compete this year in the category of their choice (and depending on availability). 6th through 15th will qualify at a discount registration rate and 16th- 25th will qualify to compete. VIEW SITE

Taste of America- Member's Mark (6th- 10th)

online on September 12-25, 2023

The World Food Championships’ largest online recipe contest, Taste of America, will be offering up numerous opportunities for qualification and free entry into 2023’s Main Event. The top 5 winners will receive a waived Golden Ticket to compete this year in the category of their choice (and depending on availability). 6th through 15th will qualify at a discount registration rate and 16th- 25th will qualify to compete. VIEW SITE

Taste of America- Member's Mark (11th- 15th)

online on September 12-25, 2023

The World Food Championships’ largest online recipe contest, Taste of America, will be offering up numerous opportunities for qualification and free entry into 2023’s Main Event. The top 5 winners will receive a waived Golden Ticket to compete this year in the category of their choice (and depending on availability). 6th through 15th will qualify at a discount registration rate and 16th- 25th will qualify to compete. VIEW SITE

Taste of America- Member's Mark (16th- 25th)

online on September 12-25, 2023

The World Food Championships’ largest online recipe contest, Taste of America, will be offering up numerous opportunities for qualification and free entry into 2023’s Main Event. The top 5 winners will receive a waived Golden Ticket to compete this year in the category of their choice (and depending on availability). 6th through 15th will qualify at a discount registration rate and 16th- 25th will qualify to compete. VIEW SITE

Show Me Series- The Titans of the Toque

in St. Louis, MO on September 13, 2023

This culinary tasting extravaganza is THE showcase of the best and brightest chefs from Missouri who compete for a Golden Ticket to the World Food Championships (WFC) - a shot at being #1 in the world and a chance to win $150,000. AND YOU'RE IN THE MIDDLE OF ALL THE COOKING ACTION! Sip cool cocktails, local beer, and zero proof libations while tasting ALL the bites as you get up close and personal with the chefs as they present their best. Cast your vote for the Bite of the Nite, tasting each chef's dish while our panel of noted judges determine the Golden Ticket winner and the next Titan of the Toque! The top chef of this event will go on to Dallas and compete against 350 chefs and home cooks from around the world. VIEW SITE

Louisiana Experience by D.a.T. Sauce

online on September 13, 2023

As a State Qualifier, D.a.T. Sauce will have the opportunity to give away ten “Golden Tickets” to competitors at qualifying events of their creation or choosing to represent the great state of Louisiana at WFC 2023. VIEW SITE

Mission Zero Hundred Hours- Battle of the Branches

in Yorkville, IL on September 15-17, 2023

Saluting With Smoke offers a unique and patriotic barbeque experience for the community. Join us for a weekend of BBQ competitions, live bands, food & craft vendors, beer tents, kids activities, and more, as we support our Veteran community to raise money for the MZHH "BBQ Saves Lives" Program. Friday night we kick off with live bands and a KCBS-sanctioned single meat rib contest with a prize purse of $1,000 Watch and support the MZHH Battle of the Branches Saturday, as 5 World Champion Pitmasters coach teams of Veterans representing each branch of service through a BBQ contest, without being able to touch anything! Donate to your favorite branch to help them gain a competitive advantage! Winner will get a chance to compete this year at the World Food Championships in Dallas, TX! VIEW SITE

Mission Zero Hundred Hours- Saluting With Smoke

in Yorkville, IL on September 15-17, 2023

Saluting With Smoke offers a unique and patriotic barbeque experience for the community. Join us for a weekend of BBQ competitions, live bands, food & craft vendors, beer tents, kids activities, and more, as we support our Veteran community to raise money for the MZHH "BBQ Saves Lives" Program. Friday night we kick off with live bands and a KCBS-sanctioned single meat rib contest with a prize purse of $1,000 Saturday hosts a KCBS-sanctioned Competitor Series BBQ competition. BBQ teams compete in four categories (Chicken, Ribs, Anything Goes - PORK, and the MRE challenge) Teams can compete on any type of cooker: Wood, Charcoal, Pellet, Electric, and Gas. Teams provide all supplies, except for MRE's, which are provided by MZHH. Winner will get a chance to compete this year at the World Food Championships in Dallas, TX! VIEW SITE

Mission Zero Hundred Hours- Honor-Q

in Yorkville, IL on September 15-17, 2023

Saluting With Smoke offers a unique and patriotic barbeque experience for the community. Join us for a weekend of BBQ competitions, live bands, food & craft vendors, beer tents, kids activities, and more, as we support our Veteran community to raise money for the MZHH "BBQ Saves Lives" Program. Friday night we kick off with live bands and a KCBS-sanctioned single meat rib contest with a prize purse of $1,000 Sunday hosts the return of Honor-Q, a KCBS sanctioned Master Series competition where cooks compete in four categories (Chicken, Ribs, Pork, and Brisket). This event is a tribute to our Veterans but also to all of our First Responders, Police, Firefighters and EMTs. Winner will get a chance to compete this year at the World Food Championships in Dallas, TX! VIEW SITE

Show Me Series- Route 66: Hogs & Frogs Festival

in Waynesville, MO on September 23, 2023

Your ticket gets you access to the Show Me Series chef battle arena inside the Route 66 Hogs & Frogs Fest. Come cheer your favorite culinary competitor as they battle for taste bud glory! Contestants will have just sixty minutes to create their best Hogs or Frogs dish. Come for the slicing! Come for the dicing! Most of all, come and taste the dishes! Competitors will serve bites for paid attendees. Relish each bite — it may very well be a world champion dish! What’s more, everyone gets to vote for their favorite bite. The winner will be named Best in Show, and take home the coveted Waynesville Croaker Crown, and carry the honor for a year. Then the judges announce the winners of this year's Golden Tickets! The winner will to travel to compete in Dallas and represent Missouri on the world stage, face hundreds of chefs from all over the world, and chase down $150,000! VIEW SITE

TURN Festival's Perfect Bite

in Indianapolis, IN on September 24, 2023

The TURN Festival, Transforming Urban Neighborhoods, is a two-day educational and community-building event presented by Paramount Schools of Excellence, in partnership with Keystone Construction, focused on urban farming, food, the environment, and health. Held on the grounds of a Paramount Schools of Excellence farm, the festival is a natural outgrowth of the work being done at the school in urban farming, ecology, green initiatives, food sports, and community outreach. Planned activities include workshops, demonstrations, information booths, food competitions, a children’s area, and food vendors. The agenda also includes sessions on urban farming, food preservation, healthy cooking, and lifestyle. Proceeds from the festival not only benefit Paramount's urban farm, environmental education, and summer S.T.E.A.M (Success Through Education Agriculture and Mentoring) programs, but they also support annual partners in the Perfect Bite Competition. The top 3 winners from Perfect Bite will win a waived Golden Ticket to compete this year at the World Food Championships! VIEW SITE

Australia- Love Cooking Live! Show

in Sydney, AU on September 24-26, 2023

Australians have fallen in love with food and now there is something you can see live, follow and get involved in! GL Exhibitions will be awarding six Golden Tickets into WFC2023. In Sydney, one Golden Ticket will be awarded into each of the following categories: BBQ, Dessert and Burger. In partnership with the World Food Championships, GL Exhibitions brings a new cooking competition to Sydney at the Love Cooking Live! Show and the Cake, Bake & Sweets Show. Be sure to sign up to compete at this exciting event for a chance to win a Golden Ticket for WFC2023! VIEW SITE

Show Me Series- The KC Burger Bash

in Kansas City, MO on September 26, 2023

WHICH COOK HAS THE BEST BURGER IN MISSOURI? COME TASTE FOR YOURSELF AND CAST YOUR VOTE! This culinary tasting extravaganza is THE showcase of the best and brightest chefs and home cooks from Missouri who compete for a Golden Ticket to the World Food Championships (WFC) - a shot at being #1 in the world and a chance to win $150,000. AND YOU'RE IN THE MIDDLE OF ALL THE COOKING ACTION! Sip cool cocktails, local beer, and zero proof libations while tasting ALL the bites as you get up close and personal with the cooks as they cook and present their best burgers for YOU to decide! Cast your vote for the Bite of the Nite, tasting each chef's dish while our panel of noted judges determine the Golden Ticket winner and the next MO BURGER CHAMPION! The top cook of this event will go on to Dallas in November and compete against 350 chefs and home cooks from around the world. VIEW SITE

World Championship Chili Cook-off

in Myrtle Beach, SC on September 29-October 1, 2023

The International Chili Society (ICS) is the largest sanctioning body of chili cook-offs in the country. Every year hundreds of chili cooks compete nationwide to qualify for ICS’s season finale – the World Championship Chili Cook-off (WCCC)! In its 56th year in existence and 3rd year in Myrtle Beach, this is not just any old cook-off. This cook-off determines who can claim the title of World Champion and their portion of a $75,000 prize purse! The best part? You get to be a part of the action! The WCCC features champion chili tastings, beer gardens, food trucks, live music, craft and retail vendors, a kid zone, and MORE! The 1st place winner and People's Choice winner will both win a Golden Ticket to compete at the World Food Championships in Soup in 2024! VIEW SITE

Miracle League Burger Competition- Springdale

in Springdale, AR on October 14, 2023

The competition is open to Food Enthusiasts, Home Cooks and Professional Chefs who will be stepping up to the plate in hopes of hitting it out of the park with the BEST BURGER in the competition! Judging will be blind plus a People's Choice. The overall winner will be awarded a Golden Ticket with entry to compete in the World Burger Championship at the WFC this November in Dallas, Texas! For more information contact miracleleaguear@yahoo.com. All proceeds benefit the Miracle League of Arkansas, which is a baseball league for kids and adults with intellectual and/or physical disabilities. Miracle League…it’s more than baseball! VIEW SITE

InnisFree Hotels- WFC Challenge

in Pensacola Beach, FL on October 14-15, 2023

Innisfree Hotel presents two WFC Challenges in conjuncion with The Taste of the Beaches in Pensacola, FL. Chefs competing will get a chance to win one of three WFC Golden Tickets. VIEW SITE

Show Me Series- Live Fire Farm Spirit

in Desoto, MO on October 15, 2023

2023 will see culinary battles all across the great state of Missouri, and each event will award at least one Golden Ticket to the World Food Championships! COMPETITORS EARN THE TICKET TO COMPETE IN DALLAS FOR $150,000 CHEFS AND HOME COOKS - BRING YOUR BEST & COMPETE FOODIES - COME EXPERIENCE INCREDIBLE BITES Get a Bite of the Action! VIEW SITE

Restaurant Association of Maryland- U.S. Oyster Festival

in St. Mary, MD on October 20, 2023

Exciting news for Maryland's professional chefs, home cooks and pro cooks looking to win their way into the biggest Food Sport competition in the world. The Restaurant Association of Maryland is the exclusive gateway for Maryland cooks to qualify for WFC. WFC hopefuls will have a chance to win one of (10) Golden Tickets to compete in this year’s tournament in one of the following categories: Seafood, Vegetarian, Bacon, Burger, Chef, and Sandwich. VIEW SITE