Indianapolis – October 19, 2026 -- Ten cooks now hold World Category Champion titles after four days of competition at the World Food Championships (WFC2026), and all of them advance to the Final Table in spring 2027, where one will be named World Food Champion.
More than 400 teams from more than 35 states and 14 countries competed October 15-18 for a share of a prize purse of more than $400,000. The event ran at the Indiana Farm Bureau Fall Creek Pavilion at the Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center. Alongside the competition, fans could watch live demonstrations, join food tastings and try new interactive experiences.
Ten categories produced ten champions
- Bacon: David Casey, Brockton, Massachusetts
- Barbecue: Jordan Davis, Carmel, Indiana
- Burger: Tatewaki Takano, Tokyo, Japan
- Chef: Craig Baker, Indianapolis, Indiana
- Dessert: Bethany Boedicker, Galveston, Texas
- Live Fire: Adi Melkman, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Noodle: Pablo Aquije, Hyattsville, Maryland
- Sandwich: Phil Johnson, Phoenix, Arizona
- Seafood: Ricardo Viesca Gutierrez, Sarasota, Florida
- Vegetarian: Jacquelyn Gausemel, Washington, DC
The winners advanced through opening and final rounds to claim their titles.
Preston Nguyen wins the debut Culinary Combine
WFC2026 also introduced the Culinary Combine, a skills challenge made up of 10 timed tasks that test speed, precision and accuracy. Chef Preston Nguyen of Arlington, Texas, took the overall title. He is the only two-time World Food Champion, and he set records in nine of the 10 skills.
Founder says the field shows global skill under pressure
WFC Founder and CEO Mike McCloud said the event challenges competitors to deliver their best under pressure and that the 10 champions have earned their place at the Final Table.
Sam's Club presented WFC2026. The World Food Championships first took place in 2012, and organizers say the platform has helped inspire more than 10,000 new dishes. Full results are posted on the event's website.