World Food Championships crowns 10 category winners in Indianapolis

The World Food Championships (WFC) concluded its 2026 competition in Indianapolis, crowning 10 category champions from a field of more than 400 teams representing 14 countries and 35 states. The event featured a prize purse exceeding $400,000.

Among the winners were Indianapolis-based Executive Chef Craig Baker, who secured his second World Chef Championship, and Carmel’s Jordan Davis, known as the ‘Smoking Pastor,’ who won the World Barbecue Championship. Other category winners include David Casey (Bacon), Tatewaki Takano (Burger), Bethany Boedicker (Dessert), Adi Melkman (Live Fire), Pablo Aquije (Noodle), Phil Johnson (Sandwich), Ricardo Viesca Gutierrez (Seafood), and Jacquelyn Gausemel (Vegetarian).

The 10 category champions will advance to the Final Table in the spring of 2027 to compete for the ultimate title of World Food Champion.