Indianapolis, IN (February 19, 2025) – The International Chili Society (ICS) announced today that the 2025 World Championship Chili Cook-off (WCCC) will be held in Indianapolis, Indiana, marking a new chapter for the renowned culinary competition. Scheduled for October 16-19, 2025, the event will take place at the Blue Ribbon Pavilion located within the Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center. The 58^th Annual WCCC event will be held in conjunction with the 13th Annual World Food Championships (WFC).

“We’re thrilled to bring the World Championship Chili Cook-off to Indianapolis,” said Mike McCloud, President of ICS and Founder of the World Food Championships. “Indy is an incredible culinary hub, and with the addition of WCCC to the WFC weekend, fans and competitors alike can expect a sizzling showcase of food sport and a celebration of chili culture like never before.”

The relocation of the WCCC from its previous home in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is a part of ICS’s commitment to expanding the reach and impact of competitive chili cooking. The event is expected to attract hundreds of competitors and thousands of spectators for an unforgettable weekend of food, fun, and fierce competition in the Midwest.

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. Competitors will battle for top honors in multiple categories, including Homestyle, Traditional Red, Veggie, and Verde. Additionally, the event will feature a fiery youth competition in the Homestyle category.

The decision to host the WCCC alongside the World Food Championships offers attendees an expanded experience across two premier culinary competitions. Visitors can enjoy live cooking demonstrations, chili tastings, and exclusive culinary challenges, all within the Indiana State Fairgrounds complex.

“We are honored to welcome the International Chili Society and the World Championship Chili Cook-off to Indianapolis,” said Cindy Hoye, Executive Director of the Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center. “This event, combined with the excitement of the World Food Championships, will be a fantastic opportunity to showcase Indiana’s passion for food and hospitality.”

More details on the World Championship Chili Cook-off, including schedules, ticketing, and participation guidelines, will be shared in the coming months through ICS channels.

For more information, visit worldfoodhampionships.com or chilicookoff.com. You can also follow World Food Championships on Facebook and Instagram (@WorldFoodChampionships), X (formerly Twitter) (@WorldFoodChamp), and LinkedIn (@WorldFoodChampionshipsHoldings); and follow the International Chili Society on Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter) (@ICSChili).

About the 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 chilicookoff.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.

About the Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center

The Indiana State Fairgrounds and Event Center is a modern public event facility that annually hosts more than 400 meetings, shows, sports and agricultural events, including the Indiana State Fair. The year-round management of the Fairgrounds is overseen by the Indiana State Fair Commission which is a quasi-governmental agency that was established in 1992, with the mission to preserve and enhance the Indiana State Fairgrounds and the annual Indiana State Fair for the benefit of all citizens of Indiana. For more information visit www.indianastatefair.com.

###

For media inquiries, please contact:
Michael Hand
Chief Marketing Officer, World Food Championships Holdings
Phone: 585.348.1287, Email: mhand@worldfoodchampionships.com