The World Food Championships is announcing the winners of the 2025 World Food Championships, as competitors from more than 35 states and 14 countries battled to take home titles across 10 different categories. The 2025 World Food Championships, presented by Sam's Club, were hosted at the Indiana Farm Bureau Fall Creek Pavilion located at the Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center Oct. 16-19, with competitions, live demonstrations and unique fan experiences spread throughout the venue and adjacent facilities. Each of the 10 winning competitors will move on to the Final Table, hosted in Bentonville, Ark., during the spring of 2026. 

Over 400 teams competed, but only 10 could walk away with World Championship titles. The ten winning champions at WFC 2025 are as follows:

• World Bacon Championship: Daniel McDonald from Franklin, Ind.
• World Barbecue Championship: Al Lino from Rio Hondo, Texas 
• World Burger Championship: Dave Elliot from Olathe, Kan.
• World Chef Championship: Preston Nguyen from Arlington, Texas
• World Dessert Championship: Cindy Hawkins from Indianapolis, Ind. 
• World Live Fire Championship: Mike Johnson from Clayton, Mo.
• World Noodle Championship: Rocky Julianelle from East Haven, Conn.
• World Sandwich Championship: David Casey from Brockton, Mass.
• World Seafood Championship: Michael Everd from Bel Air, Md.
• World Vegetarian Championship: Surabhi Suri from Dubai, United Arab Emirates

"Each year the World Food Championships raises the bar for culinary excellence, and 2025 was no exception," said Mike McCloud, CEO and founder of World Food Championships. "From fiery competitions to unforgettable flavors, this year's champions truly showcased what Food Sport is all about. We're incredibly proud of their achievements and can't wait to see who rises to the top at the Final Table this Spring."

Source: World Food Championships