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Topping The
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News
Elite
Qualifiers
Qualifiers
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Restaurant Association of Maryland
in Columbia, MD - TBD 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 -
Show Me Series- Missouri State Partner
online - TBD
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. Details TBD. VIEW SITE -
Dubai Preferred Qualifiers- Cucina del Sul
in Dubai, - February- June 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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
Corbin's Grillin and Chillin Steak Competition
in Corbin, KY on September 16, 2023
This year, Corbin will feature a Steak Competition that will be bringin’ the heat to the World Food Championships. Be sure to stay tuned for more details. The winner of this competition will be awarded a waived-entry Golden Ticket into the Live Fire category at the World Food Championships this fall! 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 -
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
Meet The
Champions
Champions
Robert Smith
2021 World Barbecue Champion
Pitmaster Robert Smith entered the World Food Championships’ (WFC) 9th Annual Main Event at its newest location of Fair Park in Dallas, Texas, looking to land a respectable Top Ten finish in the barbecue category. Turns out he left Dallas with a smokin’ prize — $7,500 in winnings and the title of 2021 World Barbecue Champion, which gives him a seat at WFC’s $100,000 Final Table Challenge this April...
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Join Our
State Program
State Program
Become an Official WFC State Partner!
The World Food Championships (WFC) has appointed tourism marketing veteran, Larry D. Dickerson, to oversee the execution of the event’s state partnership initiative. The focus of the new initiative is to develop and foster culinary talent for the competition, raise awareness of culinary offerings within individual states and promote food tourism across the country.Click here to learn more about becoming an Official WFC State Partner.
