Clif Dugan started cooking chili in the Dallas Texas area around 1980. He cooked fairly often for about 3 years before he placed in the top 10 for the first time. He admits it was about another 3 years before he placed any higher. Clif explained that he always tried to cook things his way, instead of trying to learn what the judges expected the chili to taste like. He finally taught himself to cook for the judges and he eventually started placing more regularly. Clif has been to the ICS world final 10 times with 2017 being the magic charm. As Clif says, “Looking back now, it seems worth the wait. Cooking chili has always been about making friends, having fun and being at a great event. If you place, it is just icing on the cake. I still believe that. I hope everyone in the chili cooking game will start to help more newcomers try their luck and be more generous in helping others get a start, especially young people. Most of us had some help to get started and special thanks to all those that helped me over the years - you know who you are. Good luck to all.”