World Championship Chili Cook-Off®
That's The WCCC
The Making Of A Champion
So, you want to be a World Champion? WE want to taste your chili! In order to qualify for this grand cooking competition, you must be an active ICS member and win one (or more) ICS sanctioned cook-offs.
The WCCC
Every year hundreds of cooks compete nationwide to qualify for the ICS World Championship Chili Cook-off held each fall! This competition not only determines the World Champion chili recipes, it’s also a giant multi-day public event! The WCCC features champion chili tasting, beer tasting, local food, restaurant competition, craft and retail vendors, corn hole, car show, kid zone, and MORE!
Traditional Red
Traditional Red Chili is any kind of meat, or combination of meats, cooked with red chili peppers, various spices and other ingredients. Beans and non-vegetable fillers such as rice and pasta are not allowed. Preference is not given to either cut meat, ground meat, shredded meat or cubed meat.
Homestyle Chili
Homestyle Chili is any kind of meat, or combination of meats, and/or vegetables cooked with beans, chili peppers, various spices and other ingredients. Homestyle chili may be any color. Beans are required. Preference is not given to either cut meat, ground meat, shredded meat or cubed meat. Seafood is allowed.
Chili Verde
Chili Verde is any kind of meat, or combination of meats, cooked with green chili peppers, various spices and other ingredients. Non-vegetable fillers such as rice and pasta are not allowed. Preference is not given to either cut meat, ground meat, shredded meat or cubed meat.
Salsa
While no set of ingredients is required for the preparation of salsa, it should contain chiles. Other vegetable, fruit, spice and herb ingredients may be added at the cook’s discretion. Salsa MUST be homemade by the contestant. Commercial salsa will not be accepted. Salsa may be prepared ahead of time or on site.
Youth
Youth cooks have the option to cook Traditional Red or Homestyle Chili based on the cook-off they sign up for. The rules above must be followed, per category. The youth cook can be 6 to 17 years of age and must prepare and cook their chili with parental supervision, but not parental participation.
Upcoming
ICS will introduce new chili categories in upcoming seasons including Tailgate Chili and Campfire Chili - stay tuned!
