A Culinary Showdown Like No Other: Meet the Judges for World Food Championship’s Final Table in Bentonville

Share:

Posted Mar 3, 2025

Bentonville, AR (March 4, 2025) – The World Food Championships (WFC) has revealed a panel of distinguished judges who will determine the next World Food Champion at the “Final Table: Bentonville”, taking place March 29-30, 2025, at Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food. This high-stakes culinary showdown, presented by Sam’s Club, will bring together the 12 category champions from WFC 2024 as they compete for the ultimate title and $150,000 grand prize.

The Final Table judging panel represents a diverse range of culinary expertise, from fine dining and food media to live fire cooking and sustainable cuisine. Each judge will play a critical role in evaluating the competitors as they battle through a series of elimination challenges designed to test their skill, creativity, and execution under pressure.

Meet the 2025 Final Table Judges
Chef Katie Dixon – A passionate advocate for healthy and vibrant cuisine, Chef Katie Dixon has made a name for herself through her globally inspired cooking and appearances on MasterChef and Food Network Star. She brings an expert palate and a dedication to fresh, wholesome ingredients to the judging panel.

Chef Soerke Peters – Executive Chef and owner of Mezzaluna Pasteria & Mozzarella Bar in Bentonville, AR, Chef Soerke Peters is renowned for his expertise in Farm to Table cuisine and sustainability-focused cooking. Born and raised in Germany, his deep appreciation for high-quality ingredients and meticulous technique will be key in evaluating the finalists’ dishes. He will be the host chef and judge of the event’s “Taste & Recreate” challenge.

Chef Chris Tanner – A leader in culinary education and fine dining, Chef Chris Tanner is the Executive Director of the American Culinary Federation (ACF); one of the most respected and highly trained judging organizations in the culinary world. His experience in high-level culinary competitions and industry training makes him a key figure in selecting the next World Food Champion.

Chef Casey Higgins – As a top culinary innovator at Sam’s Club, Chef Casey Higgins specializes in product development and food trend analysis. His insights into ingredient selection and execution will be invaluable in assessing the competitors’ ability to craft winning dishes that meet both retail and foodservice applications.

Chef Erica Roby – A BBQ powerhouse and Food Network’s Master of ‘Cue, Chef Erica Roby has built a reputation for her expertise in live fire cooking and bold flavors. As a champion competitor herself, she understands the high-stakes environment of the Final Table and will be looking for dishes that stand out in execution and taste.

Chef Marshall Shafkowitz – As the Executive Director of Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food, Chef Marshall Shafkowitz is at the forefront of culinary education and innovation. His ability to evaluate both technical execution and creativity will make him an essential voice on the judging panel.

Chef Tim Ordway – Executive Chef at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Chef Tim Ordway is known for blending culinary artistry with world-class hospitality. His expertise in plating, presentation, colors, and flavor balance will be key in identifying the chef who deserves the title of World Food Champion.

The Final Table: Bentonville – Where Champions Become Legends
With Sam’s Club as the presenting sponsor, “Final Table: Bentonville” will challenge competitors to showcase their culinary talents through a multi-round elimination process. Hosted at the world-class Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food, the event will highlight the region’s rich culinary culture while putting the world’s best cooks to the test.

The “Final Table: Bentonville” will push the twelve category champions through a trio of intense culinary challenges, each designed to test their skill, adaptability, and personal creativity. The competition begins with "Retail Gourmet," where contestants craft a refined, visually stunning entrée using premium ingredients from Sam’s Club, showcasing their ability to transform everyday staples into elevated, restaurant-quality dishes. In "Taste and Recreate," the remaining six competitors will visit Mezzaluna Pasteria for an exclusive tasting experience, then attempt to replicate one of Chef Soerke Peters’ signature dishes based solely on their palate, memory, and ingredient selection skills. Finally, the three remaining finalists will compete in "My Culinary Journey," a deeply personal challenge where they must create a dish that tells their unique story - blending influences, experiences, and aspirations into one final plate. Only one competitor will rise above the rest to claim the title of World Food Champion and the $150,000 grand prize.

“As we prepare to crown the next World Food Champion, we are thrilled to have such an esteemed panel of judges leading the selection process,” said Mike McCloud, Founder of WFC. “Each of these culinary professionals brings a unique perspective and an unmatched level of expertise, ensuring that our 12th champion truly earns their title through skill, creativity, and execution.”

After this champion crescendo moment, WFC will set the scene again with a new field of Food Champions at the 2025 Main Event in Indianapolis, Indiana, hosted at the Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center this October. A group of 300 new teams are expected to compete in specialized categories to claim their share of $450,000 in cash and prizes. To stay up to date on all things related to the World Food Championships and to get updates on the “Final Table: Bentonville”, visit worldfoodchampionships.com or follow World Food Championships on Facebook and Instagram (@WorldFoodChampionships), Twitter (X) (@WorldFoodChamp), and LinkedIn (@WorldFoodChampionshipsHoldings).

About World Food Championships
The World Food Championships (WFC) is the premier food sport competition globally. This multi-day, live culinary event showcases some of the world's best cooks competing for food, fame, and fortune across multiple categories. Each year, thousands of teams vie for a coveted Golden Ticket at official qualifiers to earn their spot at WFC. Since its debut in 2012, the event has attracted participants from nearly 40 countries and every state in the U.S. The 2025 World Food Championships will take place October 16-19 at the Indiana Farm Bureau Fall Creek Pavilion, located at the Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center in Indianapolis. For more information, visit WorldFoodChampionships.com.

« Back to News

A Culinary Showdown Like No Other: Meet the Judges for World Food Championship’s Final Table in Bentonville

© 2025 World Food Championships. All rights reserved. The World Food Championships is a production of WFC Holdings, Inc.