Alabama State Qualifier / AHERO

in TBA, AL - 2018

The media group Alabama Coasting is the official Alabama State Partner for qualifying teams into WFC2018. A Golden Ticket, with waived entry, will be given away to one lucky person to compete in the World Food Championships. VIEW SITE

Alabama State Qualifier / Back Forty Beer

in TBA, AL - 2018

The media group Alabama Coasting is the official Alabama State Partner for qualifying teams into WFC2018. A Golden Ticket, with waived entry, will be given away to one lucky person to compete in the World Food Championships. VIEW SITE

Culinary Fight Club - 2018

in Various Locations, on January 1-August 31, 2018

Think Top Chef meets Fight Club meets pop-up restaurant. If you can cook, then you can cook anywhere, with limited ingredients and on a time-crunch! Home chefs, students, moms, caterers, whoever you are, if you like to cook (and you think you're good at it), then step out of your kitchen and into the ring. Visit Culinary Fight Club's website for a list of qualifying events for this year's Culinary Fight Club "Fight Fest". VIEW SITE

MICHIGAN APPLE RECIPE CONTEST

in Lansing, MI on January 24, 2018

The Michigan Apple Committee has sponsored the annual Michigan Apple Recipe Contest in Frankenmuth during Zehnder’s Snowfest for more than a decade. The 2018 Apple Recipe Contest includes three categories: pasta, sandwiches and desserts. Prizes are awarded in each category for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners and the 1st place winner will also get a Golden Ticket with a waived entry and a travel stipend. The Michigan Apple Committee sponsors this contest to celebrate the flavor and versatility of apples as an ingredient in many dishes. VIEW SITE

WILD CARD ELITE DIVISION

online on February 1-September 30, 2018

This year, there are (20) Wild Card Elite Golden Tickets available to contestants, all of whom will be entered into a special points chase, a virtual tournament WITHIN the tournament. The registrants under the Wild Card Elite Division can bypass qualifying, enter ANY category of competition they choose, represent any brand or corporation they want to, compete in the Main Event with a chance to win EXTRA prize money. Ranked by scores, the top 3 Wild Card Elite ticket holders will win prize money, no matter WHAT category they are in, or WHERE they finish in the main event's standings. Contestants sign up online like normal and choose the category in which they want to compete and then select Wild Card Elite Division as their Qualifying event. It costs $1,000 to enter the Championships by way of the Wild Card Elite Division. VIEW SITE

CANADIAN BBQ SOCIETY

in Various Locations, on February 1-August 31, 2018

2 Golden Tickets, with waived entry, will be awarded to BBQ team recipients from Canada. VIEW SITE

WORLD GOURMET SOCIETY BEST VIDEO CHALLENGE FOR WFC2019

online on February 1-July 31, 2018

The WGS Best Video Challenge has started! In this challenge, the World Gourmet Society asks chefs from around the world to submit a video showing their most creative plate. All videos accepted by the WGS will be presented to our community of more than 50,000 global gourmands and food critics. Ten winners will be announced at the Global Finals in November 2018. Then, the WFC Advisory Council will determine the top (3) winners to receive the waived Golden Ticket entries for the 2019 World Food Championships. VIEW SITE

NBC ITALIAN NATIONAL BBQ COMPETITION - BEST OVERALL SCORE IN CATEGORY

in Various Locations, on March 1-August 31, 2018

NBC is an International Qualifier qualifiying teams into WFC's Burger and BBQ Championships! There are three events that will serve as Qualifiers: Torino, Italy (March 24-25), San Marino, Italy (April 21-22), and Varese, Italy (May 25-26). VIEW SITE

Kitchen Ambush - Chef Series

in Various Locations, on March 1-August 31, 2018

Kitchen Ambush is awarding 5 chef competitors a waived entry for the 2018 World Food Championships. VIEW SITE

BBQ GIVES BACK

in Urbanna, VA on March 23-24, 2018

On March 23-24, 2018, the BBQ Gives Back contest will crown THREE GRAND CHAMPIONS: the KCBS contest Grand Champion, the 2017 Virginia Grands Champion, and the 2017 MABA Cup Grand Champion. This contest helps support Team Thanksgiving and gives a monetary donation to Operation BBQ Relief. The Golden Ticket for the BBQ Gives Back - KCBS Grand Champion receives a waived entry fee and travel stipend for the 2018 World Barbecue Championship. VIEW SITE

Alabama State Qualifier / West Alabama Food & Wine Festival - Fuller Goldsmith

in Tuscaloosa, AL on April 12, 2018

The media group Alabama Coasting is the official Alabama State Partner for qualifying teams into WFC2018. A Golden Ticket, with waived entry, has been given to Chopped Junior Champion, Fuller Goldsmith, to compete in the World Food Championships in 2018. VIEW SITE

THE TASTE

in Inverness, FL on April 14, 2018

Inverness Florida brings together the best of cuisine, craft beer and art for a one-day event with live music on the waterfront of Lake Henderson called the Taste. Attendees will taste from the best regional chefs and quirky food trucks. Beer lovers will rejoice with the 50+ Florida brew choices. This partnership event between the City of Inverness and the Citrus County Education Foundation expects 30 top regional chefs to compete and showcase their cooking talents. Chefs are required to prepare on-site in a tent or food truck. The winner receives a waived entry to the World Chef Challenge in November and a travel stipend to help them get to Orange Beach, AL. VIEW SITE

GULF COAST CHILI COOK-OFF

in Biloxi, MS on April 21, 2018

This year’s Cookoff event returns as a Preferred Qualifier for the 2018 World Food Championships in Orange Beach, AL. To register a team to compete, or to register as a vendor or 5K run participant, Visit http://www.gulfcoastchilicookoff.com or email Dynne.Easterling@mgccc.edu. Cookoff starts at 3PM. Admission and chili tasting tickets are $10 each and can also be purchased online or at the event. Like our Facebook Page “Gulf Coast Chili Cook Off” for updates. VIEW SITE

Alabama State Qualifier / 9th Annual Dauphin Island Gumbo Cook-off

in Dauphin Island, AL on April 21, 2018

“You know, we cook some gumbo…” The 9th Annual Gumbo Festival, sponsored by the DI Chamber of Commerce, is set for Saturday, April 21 and will be held this year at the rodeo site from 11am-2pm. Come hungry and sample your way around the venue as teams compete for top honors in this annual event. Tickets are $10 and all proceeds will go to support our own volunteer Fire & Rescue Squad! Musical entertainment will be provided by the Modern Eldorados. VIEW SITE

Tennessee State Qualifier / National Cornbread Festival Championship Cookoff

in South Pittsburg, TN on April 28-29, 2018

Public Markets is the official Tennessee State Partner for qualifying teams into WFC2018.  A Golden Ticket, with waived entry, will be given away to one lucky person to compete in the 2018 World Seafood Championship. VIEW SITE

Alabama State Qualifier / Fairhope Rotary Steak Cook-off

in Fairhope, AL on May 11, 2018

The media group Alabama Coasting is the official Alabama State Partner for qualifying teams into WFC2018. A Golden Ticket, with waived entry, will be given away to one lucky person to compete in the World Invitational Steak Championship at WFC2018. VIEW SITE

CHEF JJ'S EGGFEST

in Indianapolis, IN on May 19, 2018

After 10 years of delicious food, grilling, beer and wine, this will be the grande finale to Chef JJ's Eggfest 2018 but it's "hello" to a new kind of food festival. Come checkout the future of grilling for sport! Come and enjoy grilling demos, National Grilling League finals (vote for your favorite!), giveaways and of course delicious food from the grill and fun for everyone. The winner of this event receives a Golden Ticket with a waived entry and travel stipend to help them compete at the 2018 World Food Championships. VIEW SITE

Tennessee State Qualifier / Street Food Festival

in Chattanooga, TN on May 27, 2018

Public Markets is the official Tennessee State Partner for qualifying teams into WFC2018.  A Golden Ticket, with waived entry, will be given away to one lucky person to compete in the 2018 World Sandwich Championship. VIEW SITE

SPECIAL INTERNATIONAL BBQ INVITATION - AMERICAN SPEEDFEST

in Brandshatch, Kent on June 9-10, 2018

1 Golden Ticket, with waived entry, will be awarded at this event to the winning BBQ team from the United Kingdom. VIEW SITE

Alabama State Qualifier / EAT Eastern Shore Judging Class

in Fairhope, AL on June 10-11, 2018

The media group Alabama Coasting is the official Alabama State Partner for qualifying teams into WFC2018. Golden Tickets, with waived entry, will be given away to two lucky people to compete in the World Food Championships. VIEW SITE

ALABAMA SEAFOOD COOK-OFF

in Bayou La Batre, AL on June 13, 2018

Alabama Gulf Seafood is searching for its 2018 Alabama Seafood Cook-Off champion. Finalists will be announced in late April. The winner of the 4th annual event event will go on to represent the state of Alabama in the 15th Annual Great American Seafood Cook-Off (GASCO) in New Orleans, Louisiana, and will be qualified to compete in the 2018 World Food Championships. VIEW SITE

Missouri State Qualifier / The Show Me Series in Columbia

in Columbia, MO on June 14, 2018

ACWW, a Culinary Consortium, is the official Missouri State Partner for qualifying teams into WFC2018. Golden Tickets, with waived entries, will be given away to two lucky people to compete in the 2018 World Food Championships. VIEW SITE

Tennessee State Qualifier / Big Kahuna Wing Festival

in Knoxville, TN on June 16, 2018

Public Markets is the official Tennessee State Partner for qualifying teams into WFC2018.  A Golden Ticket, with waived entry, will be given away to one lucky person to compete in the 2018 World Chicken Championship. VIEW SITE

Missouri State Qualifier / The Show Me Series in Kansas City

in Kansas City, MO on June 21, 2018

ACWW, a Culinary Consortium, is the official Missouri State Partner for qualifying teams into WFC2018. Golden Tickets, with waived entries, will be given away to two lucky people to compete in the 2018 World Food Championships. VIEW SITE

SPECIAL INTERNATIONAL BBQ INVITATION - SHREWSBURY FOOD FESTIVAL

in Shrewsbury, Shropshire on June 23-24, 2018

1 Golden Ticket, with waived entry, will be awarded at this event to the winning BBQ team from the United Kingdom. VIEW SITE

SMOKIN’ ON THE PECOS

in Artesia, NM on June 24, 2018

We are pleased to announce that this year our event is a qualifying event for the World Food Championships. Our Grand Champion winner on Day 2 will qualify in the category of BBQ and receive a waived entry and a travel stipend. Our Dessert winner will qualify for the World Dessert Championship (no waived entry, no travel stipend). VIEW SITE

Flavor Expedition Recipe Contest (sponsored by Minor's for WFC2019)

online on July 1-August 31, 2018

The Grand Prize Winner will receive $10,000 cash and a trip for the winner and a guest to watch the Bocuse d’Or culinary competition in Lyon, France, January 29–30, 2019. Includes airfare for two, a 4-day/5-night hotel stay, tickets to the Bocuse d’Or competition, and a $400 gift card for expenses PLUS a Commemorative chef jacket autographed by Chef Paul Bocuse, Admission to the SIRHA world hospitality and foodservice event. And finally, the Grand Prize Winner receives a Golden Ticket with waived entry into the World Chef Challenge at the 2019 World Food Championships. (Must be a Chef to be eligible to enter.) VIEW SITE

Missouri State Qualifier / The Show Me Series

in Various Locations, MO on July 12, 2018

ACWW, a Culinary Consortium, is the official Missouri State Partner for qualifying teams into WFC2018. Golden Tickets, with waived entries, will be given away to two lucky people to compete in the 2018 World Food Championships. VIEW SITE

Tennessee State Qualifier / FiveStar Food Fight

in Chattanooga, TN on July 15, 2018

Public Markets is the official Tennessee State Partner for qualifying teams into WFC2018.  A Golden Ticket, with waived entry, will be given away to one lucky person to compete in the 2018 World Chicken Championship. VIEW SITE

Walmart Online Recipe Contest "Food Champ Fresh"

in Various Locations, on July 20-30, 2018

Walmart, the world’s largest grocery retailer, will be providing Food Champs throughout the world a chance to capture one of the few remaining Golden Tickets for 2018’s main event through a new online recipe contest. There will be one grand prize winner per each of the following nine (9) WFC categories: Bacon, Barbecue, Burger, Chicken, Chili, Dessert, Sandwich, Seafood, and Steak. Each winner will receive a waived entry into his or her respective category at WFC 2018, as well as an entry into the Wild Card “elite” division — a $1,000 retail value — to compete for a bonus prize pool. For a chance to earn a ticket through this online contest, contestants will be required to infuse at least one of Walmart’s fresh, quality ingredients into their recipe submissions. VIEW SITE

Georgia State Qualifier / Atlanta Burgers & Bacon - Atlanta Grillmaster Classic

in McDonough, GA on July 28, 2018

The Greater McDonough Business Association is the official Georgia State Partner for qualifying teams into WFC2018. (4) Golden Tickets, with waived entry, will be given away to the top two winners to compete in the Bacon World Championship and the World Burger Championship at WFC2018. VIEW SITE

STURGIS BURGER BATTLE

in Sturgis, SD on August 7-10, 2018

500,000 riders, concert fanatics, and street-food enjoyers attend the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally every year. This year the event includes a Burger Battle that is a Preferred Qualifier for the World Burger Championship. The winner gets a waived entry and a travel stipend to make it to Orange Beach, AL in November. Come join the fun! VIEW SITE

Alabama State Qualifier / ACF and Alabama 200 Sweet Home Alabama Desserts Contest

in Birmingham, AL on August 11, 2018

Come and sample some of the delicious culinary treats that our “Sweet Home Alabama” has to offer. See live culinary food demos, and meet local food purveyors, chefs and vendors. Hear from nutrition and health experts and see some of Alabama’s talented chefs, home cooks, and restaurant pros battle it out for a Golden Ticket to the 2018 World Food Championships. Our competition is a qualifier for the World Food Championship and has two categories: Student/School (High School/Post Secondary) and Other (Home cooks & Professionals). VIEW SITE

Missouri State Qualifier / The Show Me Series

in Various Locations, MO on August 16, 2018

ACWW, a Culinary Consortium, is the official Missouri State Partner for qualifying teams into WFC2018. Golden Tickets, with waived entries, will be given away to two lucky people to compete in the 2018 World Food Championships. VIEW SITE

Georgia State Qualifier / Eats & Sweets - Speedway Under the Stars

in Hampton, GA on August 17, 2018

The Greater McDonough Business Association is the official Georgia State Partner for qualifying teams into WFC2018. (4) Golden Tickets, with waived entry, will be given away to the top two winners to compete in the World Dessert Championship and the World Sandwich Championship at WFC2018. VIEW SITE

SPECIAL INTERNATIONAL BBQ INVITATION - THE MALDON SMOKE & FIRE FESTIVAL

in Maldon, Essex on August 18-19, 2018

1 Golden Ticket, with waived entry, will be awarded at this event to the winning BBQ team from the United Kingdom. VIEW SITE

CARIBBEAN FOOD CHAMPIONSHIPS

in San Juan, PR on August 18-19, 2018

The Caribbean Food Championships (CFC) is a high stakes and high energy food fight. Held at the Convention Center in San Juan, Puerto Rico and scheduled for August of 2018, it features the best chefs in the Caribbean. Each winning CFC local Culinary Team will qualify to compete in their category at the World Food Championships for the $350,000 prize purse and honors as the best chefs in the world. The CFC is the primary international qualifier in the Caribbean. VIEW SITE

Tennessee State Qualifier / Lodge Cast Iron Cook-off

in Chattanooga, TN on August 26, 2018

Public Markets is the official Tennessee State Partner for qualifying teams into WFC2018.  A Golden Ticket, with waived entry, will be given away to one lucky person to compete in the 2018 World Chef Challenge. VIEW SITE

SPECIAL INTERNATIONAL BBQ INVITATION - THE BIG MEAT

in Guildford, Surrey on August 27-28, 2018

1 Golden Ticket, with waived entry, will be awarded at this event to the winning BBQ team from the United Kingdom. VIEW SITE

Tennessee State Qualifier / Beast Feast® BBQ Festival

in Chattanooga, TN on September 2, 2018

Public Markets is the official Tennessee State Partner for qualifying teams into WFC2018.  A Golden Ticket, with waived entry, will be given away to one lucky person to compete in the 2018 World Barbecue Championship. VIEW SITE

Annual Mushroom Festival - Amateur Mushroom Cook-off - 2018

in Kennett Square, PA on September 8-9, 2018

Fungi lovers from near and far will burst into Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, the Mushroom Capital of the World, September 8-9, 2018 to celebrate its #1 cash crop – mushrooms! The mission of The Mushroom Festival is to promote the mushroom, educate consumers about the health benefits of mushrooms, and to promote tourism in Southern Chester County. For 2018, the Mushroom Festival is celebrating the $1 Million Milestone — in giving back to the community. The Amateur Mushroom Cook-off is one of the Festival's highlights along with cooking demonstrations and the Growers' Exhibit. This year's cook-off theme is Blended Mushrooms: Grassfed Beef and Lamb. The Golden Ticket qualifies one lucky winner to compete in the World Food Championships. VIEW SITE

THE WHARF UNCORKED

in Orange Beach, AL on September 13, 2018

The Wharf Uncorked Food & Wine Festival features tastings of delicious food and tantalizing wines, demos from renowned chefs, live and silent auctions benefiting Make-A-Wish® Alabama, wine auctions and sales and more! Some of the top chefs on the Gulf Coast will put their skills to the test in our cooking competitions. It’s a fun weekend of wining and dining at The Wharf and the winning chef will receive a Golden Ticket to the World Seafood Championship. VIEW SITE

BACON BASH

in River Falls, WI on September 15-16, 2018

Celebrate all things bacon! Held in River Falls, WI – just 30 minutes east of St. Paul – Bacon Bash is the largest free bacon festival in the U.S. where over 12,000 attendees are expected in 2018. The winner of the Bacon Bash Cook-Off Competition will receive a Golden Ticket and paid entry to the World Food Championships along with a $1,000 travel stipend. Bacon Bash is a two-day, family-friendly event featuring a variety of bacon-inspired food booths, cook-off competitions, pig-themed activities for the entire family, live music, an arts and crafts fair, local microbrews, and much more! VIEW SITE

Alabama State Qualifier / Bham's Egg-Cellent Eggfest

in Birmingham, AL on September 15, 2018

Bham’s Egg-cellent Egg Fest 2018, a family-friendly food event benefiting the Children’s Miracle Network will be held Saturday, September 15th from 2pm - 7pm. The cooking competition will feature twelve teams vying for a spot on WFC Team Alabama to represent our state at World Food Championships. A panel of judges will determine winners in one of three categories – beef, pork or wild card. Guests at the event may sample all of the entries and vote for the People’s Choice award. VIEW SITE

Tennessee State Qualifier / Springer’s Scenic City Wings

in Chattanooga, TN on September 23, 2018

Public Markets is the official Tennessee State Partner for qualifying teams into WFC2018.  A Golden Ticket, with waived entry, will be given away to one lucky person to compete in the 2018 World Chicken Championship. VIEW SITE

JUBILEE FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS

in Old Towne Daphne, AL on September 29-30, 2018

The Jubilee Festival is held the last full weekend in September and takes place on the streets of Olde Towne Daphne. Now in its 30th year, the Festival is a celebration of the arts, the city of Daphne and the Jubilee spirit. This year, we will incorporate more than fine arts. The performing arts, the spirit of the Southern Maker and the culinary arts are an integral element of the Jubilee Festival. Nearly 15,000 patrons from along the gulf coast attend this event every year. The festival hosts more than 100 artisans. We're excited to offer two opportunities to win Golden Tickets -- one for the World Chef Challenge and one for the World Sandwich Championship. VIEW SITE

Texas State Qualifier / Super Chef Series

in Port Aransas, TX on October 3-6, 2018

The City of Port Aransas is the official Texas State Partner for qualifying teams into WFC2018. (12) Golden Tickets, with waived entry, will be awarded to the winners as follows: (4) chicken; (4) seafood; (2) Burger; (2) Bacon VIEW SITE

ALABAMA FESTIVAL OF FLAVOR

in Foley, AL on October 6-7, 2018

The Festival of Flavor will give chefs an opportunity to qualify for the World Sandwich Championship that will take place in November at The Wharf in Orange Beach. The winner of the World Food Championships will receive $100,000 in cash and prizes and be named The World Food Champion! The Chamber and the Festival of Flavor are proud to be a qualifying host of the event! The Festival of Flavor will be held on October 7 and will be open to the public. The festival will have sample tastes not only from competing Chefs, but also from local breweries, wineries, restaurants, mom-and-pop shops and so much more. VIEW SITE

California State Qualifier / Cali Cooking Competition

in Hollywood, CA on October 13-14, 2018

Gotham Steel is the official California State Partner for qualifying teams into WFC2018. (20) Golden Tickets, with waived entry, will be given away to winners of the ten categories of competition at the Cali Cooking Competition. VIEW SITE

Georgia State Qualifier / Best Burger Battle (for 2019)

in Atlanta, GA on October 20, 2018

The Greater McDonough Business Association is the official Georgia State Partner for qualifying teams into WFC2018. Atlanta Magazine's, Best Burger Battle, is now a Georgia State Qualifier for 2019 and two Golden Tickets with waived entry will be given for use at the 2019 World Food Championships. Visit http://www.atlantamagazine.com/bestburgerbattle/ for more information. VIEW SITE

Alabama State Qualifier / Fairhope Kiwanis Best of the Bay Gumbo Championship

in Fairhope, AL on October 20, 2018

The media group Alabama Coasting is the official Alabama State Partner for qualifying teams into WFC2018. Golden Tickets, with waived entry, will be given away to one lucky person to compete in the World Seafood Championship at WFC2018. This will be the 8th annual Best of the Bay Gumbo Championship, sponsored by Fairhope Kiwanis. The event has drawn an ever-increasing number of participants from community groups and local restaurants. It is the flagship fundraising event for the group and benefits multiple programs for the youth of Baldwin County. VIEW SITE

SPECIAL INTERNATIONAL BBQ INVITATION - GUY FAWKIN' HOT & FAST (for 2019)

in Henfield, West Sussex on November 3-4, 2018

1 Golden Ticket, with waived entry, will be awarded at this event to the winning BBQ team from the United Kingdom. This is a qualifier for the 2019 World Food Championships. VIEW SITE