Final Table: Bentonville - - Meet Michelle O'Guin, World Live Fire Champion

Name: Michelle O’Guin
2024 World Live Fire Champion
Hometown: Imperial, California
Currently Resides: Lakeland, Tennessee
Social Media:
Instagram: @michelleoguin and @aintitthelifebbq
Designation: Competition Team
Q: Tell us about your culinary journey. Who or what inspired you to cook?
A: My culinary journey began in my teenage years when my mom went back to work. I took on the responsibility of making dinner for the family most nights. What started as a duty soon became an exploration of flavors, textures, and the joy of seeing my family enjoy my creations.
As a young adult, I married early, and with limited finances, dining out was rare. Cooking became my way of providing warmth and comfort for my family. The kitchen turned into my sanctuary, where creativity and necessity came together.
In 2007, I discovered competition Food Sport, starting in the BBQ arena. The bold, smoky flavors captivated me, and I was hooked. It became a new way to channel my passion, blending skill, strategy, and creativity. The camaraderie and thrill of competition added depth to my journey. Cooking wasn’t just about meals anymore; it was about pushing boundaries and sharing my craft.
In 2013, I met my husband Brandon, who shares my love of cooking. Our date nights revolved around creating meals together and having meaningful conversations. The kitchen became our space to connect, learn, and grow as partners.
Cooking has always been at the heart of my life—a way to care for loved ones, express myself, and even compete. Each dish I prepare tells a story: of teenage evenings experimenting with recipes, humble meals for my family, smoky BBQ pits and trophies, and nights laughing and cooking with Brandon by my side.
Cooking isn’t just something I do; it’s who I am. It’s how I share love and joy, a constant in my life. As I continue this journey, I know the next chapter will begin with the sound of a knife on a cutting board, the sizzle of food in a pan, and shared moments that make every meal special.
Q: How long have you been cooking?
A: 35+ years
Q: How many times have you competed at WFC?
A: Five times
Q: What categories have you competed in at WFC?
A: Live Fire, Soup, Other
Q: What motivated you to get into Food Sport?
A: Meeting new people and competition. I am a competitive person by nature, and as we get older, physical competition is harder for those that don't exercise often.
Q: How would you describe your experience in Indianapolis at WFC 2024 and being named a Champion?
A: Well... let's just say it was a wide range of emotions ranging from total panic from a dropped plate right when I was about to set the platter down on the opening round, to a feeling of slight relief that a replacement plate made it back in time and to making it to the final round on the Master Chef selections. I dreamed about hearing my name called as the Live Fire Champion, I did all the superstitious things to bring myself good luck. I cried so hard after all the hustle and bustle. I am so proud of my team. Still kind of in shock.
Q: What is your favorite WFC memory/experience as a competitor?
A: My favorite WFC memory was watching and cheering on my then 9-year-old son, Miles, as he competed in WFC Junior and worked so professionally in Kitchen Arena. Miles and his teammate competed against teenagers taking culinary classes and they still managed to secure a 4th place finish at that level and for their age.
Q: What would a Final Table victory mean to you? Any ideas on how you would spend/invest your winnings?
A: A Final Table victory would mean EVERYTHING to me! Validation that dedication and hard work pay off. If I won the $150K prize, I would use it to inspire the next generation of young chefs by starting up culinary and BBQ/live fire cooking clubs or classes. My goal is to bring hands-on cooking experiences to kids between the ages of 9-17, either through local schools or private programs. These clubs would teach essential cooking skills, fire safety, and the art of BBQ and live fire cooking while also encouraging creativity, teamwork, and confidence in the kitchen. By providing access to quality ingredients, equipment, and mentorship, I hope to ignite a lifelong passion for cooking and empower kids with skills they can carry into adulthood.
Q: Any advice for folks considering entering the WFC Kitchen Arena in the future?
A: Just do it! It may be a little scary, but you can't win unless you try... oh and turn your dish in on time!
Q: Tell us an interesting fact that few people know about you:
A: I was one of the first female wrestlers on an all-boys wrestling team in 1994 in Southern California; so I guess you can say I am a little bit of a trailblazer.
« Back to News
Subscribe for
Email Notifications SUBMIT
Archive
- March 2025
- February 2025
- December 2024
- November 2024
- October 2024
- September 2024
- August 2024
- July 2024
- June 2024
- May 2024
- April 2024
- March 2024
- February 2024
- January 2024
- November 2023
- October 2023
- September 2023
- August 2023
- July 2023
- May 2023
- April 2023
- March 2023
- February 2023
- January 2023
- November 2022
- October 2022
- August 2022
- July 2022
- June 2022
- May 2022
- April 2022
- March 2022
- February 2022
- January 2022
- December 2021
- November 2021
- October 2021
- September 2021
- August 2021
- July 2021
- June 2021
- May 2021
- April 2021
- March 2021
- February 2021
- January 2021
- December 2020
- November 2020
- October 2020
- September 2020
- August 2020
- July 2020
- June 2020
- May 2020
- April 2020
- March 2020
- February 2020
- January 2020
- December 2019
- November 2019
- October 2019
- September 2019
- August 2019
- July 2019
- June 2019
- May 2019
- April 2019
- March 2019
- February 2019
- January 2019
- December 2018
- November 2018
- October 2018
- September 2018
- August 2018
- July 2018
- June 2018
- May 2018
- April 2018
- March 2018
- February 2018
- January 2018
- December 2017
- November 2017
- October 2017
- September 2017
- August 2017
- July 2017
- June 2017
- May 2017
- April 2017
- March 2017
- February 2017
- January 2017
- December 2016
- November 2016
- October 2016
- September 2016
- August 2016
- July 2016
- June 2016
- May 2016
- April 2016
- March 2016
- February 2016
- January 2016
- December 2015
- November 2015
- October 2015
- September 2015
- August 2015
- July 2015
- June 2015
- May 2015
- April 2015
- March 2015
- February 2015
- January 2015
- December 2014
- November 2014
- October 2014
- September 2014
- August 2014
- July 2014
- June 2014
- May 2014
- April 2014
- March 2014
- February 2014
- January 2014
- December 2013
- November 2013
- October 2013
- September 2013
- August 2013
- July 2013
- June 2013
- May 2013
- April 2013
- March 2013
- February 2013
- January 2013