Final Table: Bentonville - - Meet Tina Crutchfield, World Soup Champion

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Posted Mar 11, 2025
Final Table: Bentonville - - Meet Tina Crutchfield, World Soup Champion

Name: Tina Crutchfield
2024 World Soup Champion

Hometown: Lakeside, Arizona
Currently Resides: Aransas Pass, Texas

Social Media:
Instagram: txcheftina

Designation: Home Cook

Q: Tell us about your culinary journey. Who or what inspired you to cook?
A: Having been born and raised in the Southwest, I am no stranger to bold, flavorful cuisine. I started my culinary journey on the chili cook-off circuit, eventually taking state titles in Nevada, Arizona, and New Mexico. The World Food Championships gave me a platform to expand my opportunities to compete in a variety of genres, as an eleven-time competitor, you can say I am no stranger to Food Sport. Although it was through adversity that defined my specialty. When my husband of just 43 had a near fatal heart attack, and my father was diagnosed with heart disease and diabetes, as well as close friends whom I witnessed struggling to navigate the recommended tasteless diets that their clinicians recommended... I thought there had to be a better alternative to a healthy and sustainable lifestyle. My mission was to develop healthy, delicious dishes made from whole foods; no processed foods with added chemicals or fats and I have been able to create a lifestyle plan that both my family and friends continue to enjoy. Most importantly, their health is thriving. That has been the most rewarding part of my culinary journey.

Q: How long have you been cooking?
A: 30 years

Q: How many times have you competed at WFC?
A: Eleven times

Q: What categories have you competed in at WFC?
A: Soup & Other

Q: What motivated you to get into Food Sport?
A: I love to make people happy, and my food makes them happy! I love everything about this journey. I have met so many lifetime friends, Food Sport is truly a family.

Q: How would you describe your experience in Indianapolis at WFC 2024 and being named a Champion?
A: SURREAL! It was like a dream; I could not believe it. I competed against some very stellar talent, and I do not believe it has sunk in yet!

Q: What is your favorite WFC memory/experience as a competitor?
A: When Mike McCloud (WFC Founder) said, "From Aransas Pass, Texas…" I get goosebumps just thinking about it! I also loved moving through the crowd with my turn-in tray and hearing all the wonderful comments along the way! It's magical.

Q: What would a Final Table victory mean to you? Any ideas on how you would spend/invest your winnings?
A: I would love to go on a dream trip through Europe, I would love to taste all the authentic cuisine, I dream of sitting in a sidewalk cafe in Venice, sipping on an espresso, trying to decide what delicacy to try next! I would visit as many countries as my time allowed and would not count a single calorie!

Q: Any advice for folks considering entering the WFC Kitchen Arena in the future?
A: Be bold in the kitchen, and do not be afraid to try new things; many will fail but some will not, those are the great things. Details matter, pay attention to every one!

Q: Tell us an interesting fact that few people know about you:
A: I love hot dogs! I know, they are considered a lower-life form but at the end of a crazy day, creating dozens of elegant, 5-star-quality dishes, I crave a cheap ballpark hot dog!



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