International Chili Society Announces Updates for the 59th Annual World Championship Chili Cook-off

COOKEVILLE, TN - (January 14, 2026)  - The International Chili Society (ICS) today announced an exciting new direction for the conclusion of the 2025-2026 chili competition season, confirming that the 59th annual World Championship Chili Cook-off (WCCC) will be held as a standalone event in early 2027 at a new destination to be revealed soon.

Following extensive feedback, deliberation, and consultation with chili cooks and partners across Chili Nation, ICS has made the decision to return the WCCC to its own dedicated stage. Two host sites are currently under consideration, all selected with the goal of showcasing the absolute best chili in the world while enhancing the experience for competitors, judges, fans, and partners alike.

“The opportunity to bring the World Championship Chili Cook-off together with the World Food Championships in the fall of 2025 was a meaningful and successful moment for both organizations,” said Mike McCloud, President of the International Chili Society and Founder & CEO of World Food Championships. “However, after listening closely to our community, we believe the future growth of competitive chili cooking is best served by returning the WCCC to a standalone event, one that allows chili to shine on its own and continue expanding its reach and impact across the country.”

As part of this reimagined return, ICS confirmed that People’s Choice sampling and fan engagement will once again be a centerpiece of the event, welcoming chili fans back to taste, vote, and celebrate alongside the world’s top cooks. In addition, ICS is exploring new programming elements and consumer-focused ‘wrinkles’ designed to deepen interaction, storytelling, and on-site excitement for attendees.

The first and most relevant rule change to this decision is the qualifying period for the 59th WCCC. It will now be expanded to include all victories achieved from July 1, 2025 to December 31, 2026, giving chili teams an unprecedented 18 months to qualify. Other potential rule updates and competition format refinements are under review and will be communicated in the months ahead, providing competitors with ample time to prepare as the countdown to the 59th WCCC begins.

“This is about honoring the legacy of the World Championship Chili Cook-off while evolving it for the future,” McCloud added. “We’re focused on creating an epic return for Chiliheads everywhere; one that celebrates tradition, embraces innovation, and fuels the next chapter of competitive chili cooking.”

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. Additional details regarding host location, dates, qualification pathways, and event programming will be announced throughout 2026.

Competitors, partners, and fans of Food Sport can stay up to date on all things related to the World Championship Chili Cook-off by visiting eatgreatchili.com.  They can also 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. For more information, visit WorldFoodChampionships.com.

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Michael Hand

Chief Marketing Officer, World Food ChampionshipsEmail: mhand@worldfoodchampionships.com