
We're excited to see the field of competitors who have already won their golden ticket and registered to compete at the 2025 World Food Championships. And we are always proud to announce our special guests and celebrity judges participating in our judging events across the nation - we're sure the championship food certainly helps! Best of luck to our 2025 competitors!

COMPETITOR
Buckeye Flavor
HEAD COOK: Joshua Lenhart
COMPETITION: World Barbecue Championship
My name is Josh Lenhart, and I’m a self-taught cook with a passion for bold flavors, creativity, and the competitive world of BBQ. After retiring from the U.S. Army with 20 years of service, I found peace and purpose through cooking—what started as a personal outlet for managing PTSD has grown into a full-fledged passion and pursuit. For the past two years, I’ve been competing in BBQ competitions, constantly pushing myself to learn, improve, and innovate. I take pride in blending classic techniques with my own creative twists, always aiming to deliver food that’s not just flavorful, but memorable. Whether it’s firing up the smoker or experimenting with something new in the kitchen, cooking is more than just a craft for me—it’s a way of life.