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

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Posted Mar 12, 2025

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.

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

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