The World Food Championships Returns to Indianapolis for 2025

Indy’s Most Delicious Event is back for 2025! The World Food Championships (WFC), one of the most dynamic and prestigious culinary events in the world, returns to Indianapolis on October 16–19 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center. 

This high-energy, multi-day celebration of culinary talent and innovation will bring together hundreds of culinary teams from around the world as they compete for major titles and prizes across ten diverse categories.

The World Food Championships is the premier food sport competition globally. This multi-day, live culinary event highlights 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.

More than 400 competition teams will battle for their share of $450,000 in prize money and the coveted title of World Champion. The weekend will also feature the 58th annual World Championship Chili Cook-off and unique ticketed attractions, including the Taste of WFC Premium Experience (with optional Sizzle Pass enhancement) and the IGNITE! WFC Music & BBQ Kickoff Party taking place on Friday, October 17.

What to Know Before You Go

General Admission ticketholders can get up close to the action in the Kitchen Arena and sample food from the “World of Chili”, Live Fire & BBQ Experience with Famous Dave’s, WFC Ag Zone, International Food Village and More. Kids 5 years old and under can attend for free, with a kids’ zone and mascots roaming the event. Live music and demonstrations as well as chef meet and greets allow for all-day entertainment. Premium ticket holders can enjoy the Taste of WFC, where Chef Eric Greenspan will guide live demonstrations and a curated selection of bites inspired by the competition. 

New this year are two courses in food judging, including the certified chilli judging class, where participants can learn the certified guidelines of a world-class chili competition. This course trains you to taste, evaluate, and score across all four competition categories: Traditional Red, Homestyle, Verde, and Vegetarian. The other, an E.A.T. Methodology certification, is the same criteria the World Food Championships judges use to score the chefs in each category.

Competitors, partners, and fans of Food Sport can stay up to date on all things related to the World Food Championships by visiting WorldFoodChampionships.com or follow World Food Championships on Facebook and Instagram  (@WorldFoodChampionships), and Twitter (X) (@WorldFoodChamp).