2012 World Open Chili Champion
Clark McGee

Clark McGee, of On the Road Chili, began his competitive chili life as a judge in the International Chili Society for two years before beginning to compete himself. Initially as a "People's Choice" chili cook, McGee won great accolades in a short amount of time, building up to a People's Choice win at the 2011 World's Championship Chili Cookoff. Typically, in addition to the People's Choice category, competitive chili cooks compete in any combination of the Traditional Red, Chili Verde and Homestyle categories.

McGee qualified by winning the Chili Verde category at the Big Bear Regional Cookoff in Big Bear Lake, Calif. The Big Bear Regional Cookoff is competition fully sanctioned by the International Chili Society.

"I was told on the day of the competition that if I won, I would qualify for the World Food Championships," said McGee. "I immediately went online to find what it was all about. I won first in Chili Verde (at Big Bear) and automatically qualified!"

Once they qualified for the World Food Championships in August, On the Road Chili began preparing for the competition.

"Ever since the Big Bear competition in August, we cooked pots of chili every few weeks fine tuning our chili to come up with the perfect winning taste," said McGee.

McGee's Freestyle chili submitted to the Final Table judges, is very similar to their People's Choice chili they compete with at International Chili Society events.

"It's basically our People's Choice (chili) with a lot more fresh peppers and spices," said McGee. "It is a tri-top roast cubed with red, black and pinto beans. We add a variety of fresh very finely diced peppers, along with our special mix of spices that bring the heat!"

As the first dish eliminated from the Final Table, one may assume that chili was an easy out. But it wasn't that simple. Almost every judge had a strong opinion about chili, in one direction or the other, and that made for an interesting debate. One of the most vocal Final Table judges, Chef Tim Love, said that the chili dish was his favorite of all seven finalists.

Crediting his success to his teammates, Ken, Chuck and Bill, McGee said they work as a team and everyone has equal input on how a pot tastes and what is needed.

Learn more about the 2012 World Open Chili Championship