
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
Grilluminatis BBQ
HEAD COOK: Ray Cruz
COMPETITION: World Barbecue Championship
It all began with my fascination with fire and watching my father barbecue from a young age. Over time, I discovered how to use fire to cook meats. First, cooking at high temperatures and then at low temperatures, teaching me patience and that many good things take time, and that's okay. From cooking on weekends to lighting charcoal almost every day, this led me to competing and eventually becoming a pit master.