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Topping The
News
News
Elite
Qualifiers
Qualifiers
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BurgerFest Memphis Cooking Team Contest
in Memphis, TN - TBA- Spring 2020
Join us at Tiger Lane at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium to sample burgers from your favorite restaurants, complete with local beer, live music, corn hole and much more. This is a family-friendly event for all to enjoy; we even have a kids' zone! The winner will receive a golden ticket to compete in the Burger category in 2020! VIEW SITE -
Team Alabama/ 2018 Festival of Flavor
in Foley, AL on October 6, 2018
The Chamber and the Festival of Flavor are proud to be a qualifying host of the Festival of Flavor which was held on October 6, 2018. The 2018 FOF gave chefs an opportunity to qualify for the World Dessert Championship that takes place this year in Dallas, TX. The winner of last year's Festival receives a Golden Ticket to compete in this year's WFC for $100,000 in cash and prizes and a chance to be named World Food Champion! And don't miss this year's Festival of Flavor on October 5th in Foley, AL which will feature sample tastes from competing Chefs, as well as local breweries, wineries, restaurants, mom-and-pop shops and much more. VIEW SITE -
Team Alabama/ 2018 Corks and Forks
in Dauphin Island, AL on October 26, 2018
Forks & Corks is part of the ArtSeaLab festival weekend at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab, which marries art and science to illustrate the conservation and preservation of our coastal habitat, our economy, and our way of life. It features a juried outdoor art show, live music, hands-on art and science learning experiences, a 3D marine debris art competition, and more. Held at the the Dauphin Island Sea Lab Estuarium, the 2018 Forks & Corks Culinary Gala showcased the culinary talents of 8 teams of Mobile County Public School’s Hospitality and Tourism Program students. The winner received a Golden Ticket to compete in the World Seafood Championship in Dallas this October. VIEW SITE -
2019 Wild Card Elite
online on January 2-October 1, 2019
Up to 20 contestants can purchase a Wild Card Elite Golden Ticket for a $1,000 entry fee. Upon that purchase, competitors will handpick one of WFC’s ten categories to compete in. In addition, these Golden Ticket holders will be entered into a tournament bracket of their own, where the top scoring finishers from the Wild Card Elite Division will be going home with extra cash. The top three scores within this division will receive $3,000, $2,000, and $1,000 respectively, no matter their standing in WFC’s overall competition. VIEW SITE -
The Shed Steak Showdown
in Ocean Springs, MS on January 25-26, 2019
The Shed BBQ & Blues Joint combines the tastiest BBQ in the South with honest-to-goodness downhome blues for an experience you'll never forget! This year's Shed Steak Showdown will award 3 Golden Tickets (one each for BBQ, Chicken and Steak) with waived entry to be given to the winner of each category. VIEW SITE -
Watson’s 9th Annual Bird & Sausage Gumbo Cookoff
in Livingston, LA on January 26, 2019
It’s our 9th Annual event benefiting homeless veterans. Competitors must prepare their gumbos on site. No pre-cooked ingredients! Any type of bird and sausage can be used and cook no less than 5 gallons and over a gas fire. Patrons make a $10 donation and enjoy “all you can eat”, along with live entertainment. Kids are entertained in our Kiddie Korral with various activities for the youngsters. This event has raised over $16,000 in the past. VIEW SITE -
Flora-Bama Super Chili Bowl Cook-Off
in Perdido Key, FL on February 2, 2019
The 25th Annual Flora-Bama Super Chili Bowl Cook-Off is one of your first opportunities to qualify into WFC 2019! This event not only brings a little heat to the beach, it is also supports a great cause - Relay For Life and The American Cancer Society. Chiliheads, get your game face on because one waived Golden Ticket entry into the World Open Chili Championship in October will be awarded to the winner of this event! VIEW SITE -
Taste of Elegance
in Minneapolis, MN on February 4, 2019
The Taste of Elegance is a culinary competition designed to inspire innovative and exciting ways to menu pork. The competition not only provides an elegant occasion to highlight the increasing popularity of pork on America’s menus, but also helps strengthen chefs’ preference for pork as a flavorful and versatile meat. Two Golden Tickets will be awarded for WFC2019. VIEW SITE -
Sertoma Chili Cookoff
in Springfield, MO on February 22-23, 2019
The Sertoma Chili Cook Off is held annually at the Springfield, MO Expo Center. This will be the 38th year of the competition. All proceeds from this event go to the local children's charities. VIEW SITE -
Taste of America- First Place
online on March 1-31, 2019
WFC has added its largest online recipe contest, the Taste of America Challenge, to the mix as a 2019 qualifier. Cooks from coast to coast are tasked to create innovative, eye-popping recipes that utilizes some of Food Sport's most popular brands and products for a chance to win a coveted Golden Ticket. Not only are a few familiar WFC sponsors featured in this contest, but Taste of America is also allowing competitors to infuse any Celebrity Spirits & Wines into their recipes (i.e., Kenny Chesney's Blue Chair Bay Rum, Justin Timberlake's Sauza 901 and Drew Barrymore's Barrymore Wines). The Taste of America Challenge has the ability to qualify up to 150 Food Champs. For more information about this 2019 qualifier, go to https://worldfoodchampionships.com/2019-taste-of-america VIEW SITE -
Caribbean Food Championships
in San Juan, PR on March 16-17, 2019
The Caribbean Food Championships (CFC) is a high stakes and high energy food fight. Planned to be held at the Convention Center in San Juan, Puerto Rico in March 2019, 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 -
Nashville Scene Iron Fork
in Nashville, TN on March 21, 2019
The Nashville Scene is proud to host the 12th Iron Fork presented by US Foods. The 2019 Iron Fork event will showcase top local chefs battling it out in a head-to-head competition judged by top local foodies. The winning Chef will receive the prestigious “Iron Fork” award, a chance to compete in the 2019 World Food Championships and bragging rights for the next year! During the competition, attendees will sample award-winning cuisine, cocktails, beer and wine from a wide selection of Nashville’s best restaurants. VIEW SITE -
Team Alabama/ The Fairhope Emblem Club- Inaugural Chef's Challenge
in Fairhope, AL on March 24, 2019
The inaugural Fairhope Emblem Chef Competition is a challenge for all seasons. Yep – pick a holiday season and create your dish to match that theme. Each Chef Team will prepare 250 samples for guests to enjoy and vote for as their favorite. Teams will also prepare a signature theme dish for a panel of judges (1 complete dish and 5 samples). The best Judges Entry wins $500 and a Golden Ticket for WFC 2019 in Dallas. Second place wins $300 and Third place $150. All proceeds benefit the Fairhope Elks Lodge 1879. This competition is limited to 10 teams and only a couple slots are still open. All samples and judges entries must be prepared in your own commercial kitchen. Judges entries may be assembled onsite. VIEW SITE -
Cuban Sandwich Festival
in Ybor City, FL on March 29-31, 2019
The Cuban Sandwich Festival is now back at Centennial Park in Historic Ybor City! Smackdown Sunday will feature over 100 Food, Cultural and Business Vendors. Enjoy live music, dance performance, domino tournaments and more, plus the best Cuban Sandwiches in the World! VIEW SITE -
Taste of Canada- First Place
online on April 1-15, 2019
Through the Taste of Canada, which will run from April 1 through April 15, any chef, home cook or pro team can enter WFC's online contest for the chance to win a golden ticket into WFC 2019! Winners will be chosen from each province, with first place receiving waived entry! VIEW SITE -
The Taste
in Inverness, FL on April 13, 2019
This is a one-day music, beverage and art festival that is also a qualifier for the World Food Championship (WFC)--the largest food competition in the world. This event invites top chefs and food trucks to compete in nine categories: Sandwich, Burger, Bacon, Chicken, Steak, Appetizer, Dessert and Chef. The chef with the highest score in the Bacon category will move onto the WFC in Dallas to compete for top honors. It's worth mentioning that 2018 Golden Ticket Winner James Cook of Cattledog Coffee Roasters placed fourth worldwide in the WFC in November 2018. VIEW SITE -
High On The Hog
in Winchester, TN on April 19-20, 2019
The 32nd High On The Hog is a Qualifier for both the Jack Daniel’s and the American Royal. This year, 70+ KCBS Pro and Backyard Teams will also compete for a chance to win a Golden Ticket to the 2019 WFC. HOTH is the major fund raiser for the Kiwanis Club and all proceeds benefit local charities. Our Goal is “To Empower our community, families and the children of Franklin County, Tennessee through our works of kindness and giving.” HOTH also features family fun with crafts, vendors and a large carnival. Sign up today! VIEW SITE -
Team Alabama/ Dauphin Island Gumbo Festival
in Dauphin Island, AL on April 20, 2019
We are excited to announce that the 2019 Dauphin Island Gumbo Festival and Cook-Off will be held on April 20th! This year the festival will be hosted at the Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo Headquarters and will feature great live music with Jamell Richardson! Proceeds from this year's event will help fund the new Dauphin Island Community Center. VIEW SITE -
Team Alabama/ Alabama Seafood Cook-off
in Bayou La Batre, AL on May 1, 2019
Team Alabama is WFC’s Official Partner for the State of Alabama and offers the chance to win Golden Tickets into WFC 2019! Winners will be awarded Golden Tickets through multiple qualifying events with first place receiving a waived entry. Visit https://www.wfcteamalabama.com/ for more details about registering for Official Alabama State Qualifying Events and a chance to compete at WFC 2019 on behalf of Team Alabama. VIEW SITE -
Get Wild with Wild Rice
online on May 9-June 10, 2019
Submit your original wild rice recipes for the Get Wild with Wild Rice Recipe online contest. You may enter up to one recipe per person in each of these categories: Appetizer, Salad, Soup, Entrée, Side, Dessert. The winner receives a Golden Ticket with waived entry to WFC’s World Recipe Championship. Prize packs for finalists, determined by judges. Cash grand prize, determined by judges. Cash People’s Choice Award. World Food Championships completion cash prize from council. Finalist recipes will be published and may be included in cooking demonstrations. VIEW SITE -
Dominican Food Championships- Gran Premio Culinario
in Santo Domingo, DO on May 15-16, 2019
Professional chefs will be competing during two days as part of the most important GastroExpo in the D.R. for its 10th anniversary. The competition will be held at the Jaragua Hotel located in front of the beautiful Caribbean Sea. As part of the Dominican Food Championships the winner will receive a Golden Ticket to compete in the World Chef Challenge. VIEW SITE -
Battle of the Burger
in Nashville, TN on May 16, 2019
Who will be deemed 2019 Burger Champion? Watch as top Nashville chefs battle it out in a LIVE BURGER COMPETITION! Tickets are $25 and include a cocktail, samples of all burgers, and the chance to vote for who you think has the best burger. Join us for an evening of live music, cocktails, and burgers! 2 Golden Tickets will be awarded! VIEW SITE -
Morgan Hill Mushroom Mardi Gras Blended Burger Contest
in Morgan Hill, CA on May 25, 2019
Morgan Hill Mushroom Mardi Gras is celebrating its 40th year with a Blended Burger Cook Off Contest. Burgers must be made of 75% ground beef and 25% mushrooms (using white, crimini or portabella mushrooms). Contestants must submit written recipe and photo of the plated burger. Top four entries will be selected by Mardi Gras committee to participate at a live cook-off at the Mardi Gras festival on Saturday, May 25, 2019, at 11:30 AM. One Golden Ticket will be awarded to the 1st place winner for the World Food Championships held in Dallas, TX in October 2019. VIEW SITE -
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Miracle League Burger Competition
in Little Rock, AR on June 9, 2019
Join us for the first annual Miracle League Burger Competition! We're kicking off summer break with a burger-eating, beer-sipping block party on Kavanaugh in the Heights neighborhood (between Taylor St. and Pierce St.) Teams will compete for the titles of Best Burger and People's Choice Burger and YOU get to try them all! The winner will have a “Golden Ticket” to the World Food Championships in Dallas, Texas in October 2019. Eat burgers for a cause! VIEW SITE -
Maryland Foodie Fest/ Restaurant Association of Maryland
in Aberdeen, MD on June 22, 2019
The Restaurant Association of Maryland, an official state partner of WFC, is inviting you to take part in their one-day, family-friendly food festival competition. The Maryland Foodie Fest is the exclusive gateway for Maryland chefs, home cooks and pro teams to qualify for the world's largest Food Sport event WFC hopefuls will have the opportunity to win a Golden Ticket to compete in the championships in Dallas, Texas this October in the following categories: Chili, Burger and Seafood. The Maryland Foodie Fest's Chili competition features both a Judge's Choice and People’s Choice winner, which means competitors will have two chances to qualify! The event will also include food samplings from restaurants across the state, live music, beer and wine and much more! VIEW SITE -
FiveStar Food Fight
in Chattanooga, TN on July 13, 2019
One of our most anticipated annual “foodie” events of the season…Local chefs compete live at the Chattanooga Market under the pressure of patrons watching their every move. Five local chefs are chosen to compete in this event where they will have to be creative, quick-thinking and woo our judges. VIEW SITE -
Dominican Food Championships- Mayo Burger Tour
in Santo Domingo, DO on July 22, 2019
For its 6th anniversary, the most important burger competition for restaurants in the D.R. will be awarding a Golden Ticket for the third year in a row. We are expecting more than 25 restaurants and food trucks to compete for who is the "Best Burger in the D.R." As part of the Dominican Food Championships the winner gets qualified to compete in the World Burger Championship. VIEW SITE -
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Red Gold- Indy Burger Battle
in Indianapolis, IN on July 27, 2019
Restaurants from all over Indianapolis create their own unique burger to serve as sliders and you get to try each of them to decide whose is the most scrumptious. At the end of the day, your vote will determine the People's Choice Champion and local celebrity judges will determine the Critic's Choice Champion to crown the best burgers in Indianapolis. Each winner will receive a Golden Ticket into the World Food Championships. All proceeds from the event will benefit event organizer and Indianapolis-based nonprofit Building Tomorrow and its vision of a world where all children have access to an inclusive, transformative education. VIEW SITE -
Canadian BBQ Society- EAT
online on August 1, 2019
For the CBBQS to truly represent all Canadian BBQers we have established Regional Chapters. Each Chapter has identified a Lead who carries with them rich experience and solid credibility with their peers and represent the unique needs that their regions have. All policies and decisions are jointly made by the Board which consists of Chapter Leads representing the Pacific, Rockies, Prairies, Southern Ontario, Eastern Ontario and Quebec Chapters. The CBBQS will award two Golden Tickets for the 2019 World Barbecue Championship. VIEW SITE -
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Team Alabama/ Dauphin Island Caribbean Chef Challenge
in Dauphin Island, AL on August 10, 2019
Alabama Coasting announces the inaugural Dauphin Island Caribbean Chef Challenge in connection with the island’s Reggae Weekend, August 9-11. Five invited chefs will compete in one-hour time blocks to prepare their best version of an Island-inspired dish. The competition takes place Saturday, the 10th from 11am to 6pm at Pirates Grill at the Isle Dauphine Club. Five WFC E.A.T. certified judges will be on hand and the winning chef earns a Golden Ticket to compete in the Chef Category at the 2019 World Food Championships in Dallas, Texas. In addition to the Judges’ dishes, chefs will present island-inspired bites for foodies enjoying the laid back vibes of the Reggae Weekend. VIEW SITE -
License to EAT St. Louis
in St. Louis, MO on August 12, 2019
The Show Me Series proudly presents Licensed to E.A.T.™, a culinary experience & certification designed to train your mind and taste buds for becoming a WFC certified judge in the competitive world of #FoodSport. This is YOUR chance to learn (and taste) how food dishes are judged at the world's Ultimate Food Fight, the World Food Championships. You will be walked through the proprietary E.A.T. Methodology that is used to score the WFC International Competition. The only test is your taste buds! You'll leave our interactive food course with a satisfied palate and with an official GOLD card status as a certified Food Champ Judge. This certification provides the eligibility to judge at the hundreds of World Food Championships qualifying events held all over the United States. Not only will you explore the beautiful surroundings of St. Louis' newest restaurant, Oaked, but you’ll also get a taste of #FoodSport by enjoying custom culinary creations and lively libations. Join us at 5:30 pm to mix and mingle with some adult libations, with the class starting at 6:00 pm. This class will begin promptly at 6:00pm. Space is limited for this event and tickets are required. An RSVP to this Facebook event does not constitute a ticket purchase. VIEW SITE -
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Team Alabama/ NBCC Crawfish Cookoff
in Bay Minette, AL on August 22, 2019
We are excited to announce that the 2019 North Baldwin Chamber of Commerce Crawfish Cookoff will be held on June 7th! The festival will be hosted at Blackburn Park in Downtown Bay Minette and will feature great live music with Ryan Balthrop. The winner wins a $750 travel stipend and a Golden Ticket to compete as part of Team Alabama in the 2019 World Seafood Championship. There is still room for 5-6 teams and the sign-up deadline is May 17. VIEW SITE -
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Team Alabama/ Back Forty Beer Burger Battle
in Gadsden, AL on August 25, 2019
Chefs and Cook Teams from around the region gather at Back Forty Beer Company to create their best version of the American classic. At stake: Bragging rights, a cool trophy, AND a Golden Ticket to the World Food Championships in Dallas, Texas. Taking place October 16-20, some 450 teams will compete in 10 different categories in the largest food sport event on the planet. The winning team – has determined by certified WFC Judges will represent WFC Team Alabama and receive a paid-for registration into the championships, recognition in print, digital and social media, Team Alabama swag and a cash stipend. VIEW SITE -
Lodge Cast Iron Cook Off
in Chattanooga, TN on August 25, 2019
The annual Lodge Cast Iron Cook Off features Chattanooga's most prominent and rising chefs who create culinary delights for our panel of judges, using fresh ingredients right from the Chattanooga Market. Each chef is provided a basic pantry (salt, sugar, flour, etc.), maybe a mystery ingredient or two, and a modest budget to shop the Market for any remaining ingredients they need. The winner of the Lodge Cast Iron will receive a Golden Ticket to the World Chef Challenge at the 2020 World Food Championships. VIEW SITE -
Big Kahuna Champion and Tennessee State Champion
in Knoxville, TN on August 30-September 1, 2019
The 7th annual Big Kahuna Wing Festival celebrates the creation of the “Buffalo Wing," which has become a national food icon. This event has grown into one of the best culinary events in East Tennessee. Last year the festival drew over 8,000 attendees whom enjoyed over 100 different sauces from 40 different teams. All for the love of the “Buffalo Wing” and to raise money for charity. New for this year, teams will be judged on the World Food Championships' own E.A.T™ Methodology. Five golden tickets will be awarded to the highest scoring teams! Any current or past WFC competitor/ team will receive free registration into this event. Just click on this link https://www.bkwfestival.com/registration/cooking-team-registration-no-registration-fee/ and use password bkwfestival2019 VIEW SITE -
Big Kahuna Wing Festival- Exotic Flavor, Fire Sauce, Creative Spicy, Create Sweet Champion
in Knoxville, TN on August 30-September 1, 2019
The 7th annual Big Kahuna Wing Festival celebrates the creation of the “Buffalo Wing," which has become a national food icon. This event has grown into one of the best culinary events in East Tennessee. Last year the festival drew over 8,000 attendees whom enjoyed over 100 different sauces from 40 different teams. All for the love of the “Buffalo Wing” and to raise money for charity. New for this year, teams will be judged on the World Food Championships' own E.A.T™ Methodology. Five golden tickets will be awarded to the highest scoring teams! Any current or past WFC competitor/ team will receive free registration into this event. Just click on this link https://www.bkwfestival.com/registration/cooking-team-registration-no-registration-fee/ and use password bkwfestival2019 VIEW SITE -
Team Alabama/ North AL Chef Champion
in Florence, AL on September 9, 2019
Team Alabama is WFC’s Official Partner for the State of Alabama and offers the chance to win Golden Tickets into WFC 2019! Winners will be awarded Golden Tickets through multiple qualifying events with first place receiving a waived entry. Visit https://www.wfcteamalabama.com/ for more details about registering for Official Alabama State Qualifying Events and a chance to compete at WFC 2019 on behalf of Team Alabama. VIEW SITE -
Team Alabama/ Riverfest
in Decatur, AL on September 13, 2019
The Grand Champion of our Jack Daniels Cooperage sponsored Steak Cook Off to be held on Friday night of Riverfest will get an automatic GOLDEN TICKET to compete on Team Alabama at the World Food Competition to be held in Dallas, Texas October 16-20th!! This is an invitation ONLY event that last year alone drew chefs from 45 states and 13 different countries! The Grand Champion of the WFC gets an overall cash prize of $100,000.00!!! Riverfest was chosen to be one of the qualifying events for the Steak category. VIEW SITE -
Texas Super Chef Series
in Port Aransas, TX on September 18-21, 2019
Live in Texas and wish to compete in 2019 World Food Championships? Then, start making plans now to compete in the 2019 Texas Super Chef Throwdown Series in Port Aransas, Texas this Fall! As the EXCLUSIVE Texas state partner, Port Aransas will award fourteen Golden Tickets through this multi-day culinary battle. VIEW SITE -
Meet The
Champions
Champions
Beau Smith
2018 World Seafood Champion
Food Sport newcomer Beau Smith reeled in a big win against a field of talented cooks to become the 2018 World Seafood Champion this past November in Orange Beach, Alabama. His winning dish titled, “Oscar la Vista baby,” earned him $10,000 and a spot at the World Food Championships’ (WFC) Final Table challenge.
READ MORE
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.
