Chili Challenge Heats Up the 58th Annual World Championship Chili Cook-off in Indianapolis

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - (October 10, 2025) – The International Chili Society (ICS) and World Food Championships (WFC) today announced the addition of a flavorful new activation to this year’s event lineup: the Chili Challenge.

Taking place October 16-19 inside the Blue Ribbon Pavilion at the Indiana State Fairgrounds, the Chili Challenge will serve up consumer sampling opportunities across a variety of chili styles, including Traditional Red, Homestyle, Verde, and Vegetarian. Fans attending the 58th Annual World Championship Chili Cook-off (WCCC) will get the chance to taste, compare, and enjoy chili from some of the nation’s favorite brands and chili cooks.

Participating partner brands for the activation include Hunt’s, Ro*Tel, Wendy’s, Bush’s, Coca-Cola, Shady Brook Farms, and Odom’s Tennessee Pride; all helping showcase the bold flavors and culinary creativity that make chili a fan favorite nationwide and available at select Walmart locations.

“The Chili Challenge is the perfect addition to this year’s World Championship Chili Cook-off,” said Mike McCloud, President of the International Chili Society and Founder of the World Food Championships. “We’re excited to welcome a lineup of marquee brands and give fans a chance to taste multiple styles of chili while celebrating the incredible competitors who make Chili Nation so special. Indianapolis is in for a true flavor festival this October.”

The WCCC is celebrating their 58th year and will once again bring together the best chili cooks from across the globe to battle for the world title. Now, with the Chili Challenge, fans have an even greater reason to experience the sights, sounds, and tastes of Chili Nation as part of the World Food Championships weekend.

The World Championship Chili Cook-off, which has been a cornerstone of the International Chili Society’s mission since 1967, brings together the best chili cooks from across the nation. The WCCC, presented by the ICS, will name World Champions in Traditional Red, Verde, Vegetarian, and Homestyle chili categories. Additionally, the event features a fiery youth/junior competition in the Homestyle category. This year’s event will be held in the Blue Ribbon Pavilion, adjacent to the World Food Championships festivities being held in the Indiana Farm Bureau Fall Creek Pavilion, with admission included for all WFC ticket holders.

Competitors, partners, and fans of Food Sport can stay up to date on all things related to the World Food Championships and World Championship Chili Cook-off by visiting worldfoodhampionships.com or eatgreatchili.com.  They can also follow World Food Championships on Facebook and Instagram (@WorldFoodChampionships), X (@WorldFoodChamp), and LinkedIn (@WorldFoodChampionshipsHoldings); and follow the International Chili Society/World Championship Chili Cook-Offs on Facebook and Instagram (@icschili and @worldchampionshipchilicookoff).

About International Chili Society

Legendary race car driver and automotive icon Carroll Shelby started the International Chili Society (ICS) in 1967 as a fun way to compete against his friends. Today, ICS sanctions more than 100 events a year nationwide with one mission – to continuously celebrate chili while raising money for charities and nonprofits. More than $100 million has been raised for charities by ICS over the past five decades and has been bringing people together over one of America's greatest culinary creations. For more information, visit eatgreatchili.com.

About World Food Championships

The World Food Championships (WFC) is the premier food sport competition globally. This multi-day, live culinary event showcases some of the world's best cooks competing for food, fame, and fortune across multiple categories. Each year, thousands of teams vie for a coveted Golden Ticket at official qualifiers to earn their spot at WFC. Since its debut in 2012, the event has attracted participants from nearly 40 countries and every state in the U.S. The 2025 World Food Championships will take place October 16-19 at the Indiana Farm Bureau Fall Creek Pavilion, located at the Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center in Indianapolis. For more information, visit WorldFoodChampionships.com.

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For media inquiries, please contact:

Michael Hand

Chief Marketing Officer, World Food Championships

Phone: 585.348.1287, Email: mhand@worldfoodchampionships.com