History & Legends

The International Chili Society (ICS) was born in 1967 when a group of friends in Terlingua, Texas decided to settle a bold debate: Who made the best chili?

 

That first showdown, judged a draw, sparked a movement that turned chili from backyard bragging rights into a worldwide competition.

 

Over the decades, chili has brought people together in parking lots, parks, arenas, and championship stages across the country — all for the love of flavor, fun, and tradition.

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ICS Milestones

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• 1967 — The very first World Championship Chili Cook-off (WCCC) was pioneered in Terlingua, Texas by Carroll Shelby, Tom Tierney, H. Allen Smith, Wick Fowler, Dave Witts, Bill Neale, Frank X. Tolbert, Father Duffy, Ormly Gumfudgin, and Bill Doner... to name a few!

• 1969 — C.V. “Woody” Wood wins the WCCC and helps shape ICS showmanship traditions.

• 1970 — The International Chili Society (ICS) is officially formed, formalizing rules and sanctioning cook-offs.

• 1974 — The final WCCC held in Terlingua as the competition begins traveling to new cities.

• 1976 — WCCC prize packages grow beyond trophies — winners take home cars, cash, and more.

• 1980 — ICS expands globally; cook-offs attract international competitors from England, Scandinavia, Canada, Mexico, and Australia.

• 1984 — A bill is introduced to designate chili as America’s official food; Texas proposes chili as the official state dish.

• 1985 — Carol Hancock wins the WCCC with her “Shotgun Willie Chili,” later becoming ICS CEO.

• 1987 — Carroll Shelby dubs the WCCC an “Adult Woodstock” as festival-style events become tradition.

• 1992 — ICS reports over $50 million raised for charities through sanctioned cook-offs worldwide.

• 1994 — WCCC grows into a multi-day festival with celebrity judges, concerts, and national TV coverage.

• 1998 — ICS operations move to Las Vegas, home of Shelby American and the Las Vegas Speedway.

• 1999 — Chili Verde category added to the WCCC.

• 2004 — Carroll Shelby names Carol Hancock as the new CEO of ICS.

• 2009 — WCCC held east of the Mississippi for the first time in 43 years, in Charleston, West Virginia.

• 2012 — The chili world mourns the passing of Carroll Shelby, founder of ICS and racing legend.

• 2012 — Homestyle category debuts at WCCC; Bob Plager wins Red Chili with a surprise ingredient — prunes.

• 2013 — Bob Plager becomes the first back-to-back WCCC World Champion.

• 2016 — ICS celebrates its 50th Anniversary.

• 2017 — Carol Hancock retires as CEO; Scott Toland assumes leadership.

• 2018 — Veggie Chili added to ICS-sanctioned categories; Salsa category is retired.

• 2020 — ICS becomes part of the World Food Championships (WFC), expanding its global presence in Food Sport.

• 2024 — ICS honors the passing of longtime leader and chili icon Carol Hancock, whose leadership and passion shaped the modern ICS.

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Chili Legends

 

We wouldn’t be here without these trailblazers who stirred the pot.​

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• Carroll Shelby — Automotive icon and ICS founder, the driving force behind the WCCC and chili’s rise to global fame.

• C.V. “Woody” Wood, Jr. — Co-founder, 1969 World Champion, and pioneer of showmanship at chili cook-offs.

• Jim West — The first ICS Executive Director, vital to the early growth and management of the organization.

• W.D. “Bill” Ray — Early ICS leader instrumental in organizing By-Laws and expanding sanctioned events nationwide.

• Woodruff “Wino Woody” De Silva — Known for his culinary creativity (and his love of wine), Wino Woody brought flavor and flair to the ICS in its earliest days.

• Dr. Roy Nakayama — Renowned pepper agronomist whose research revolutionized chili pepper varieties, ensuring better flavor and consistency for generations of cooks.

• Carol Hancock — 1985 World Champion, publicity powerhouse, and the second CEO of ICS, leading the organization to new heights of national recognition and competition growth.

 

Their legacy lives on in every pot of chili, every new champion, and every passionate ChiliHead keeping the tradition alive.