Indiana chefs win top honors at World Food Championships

INDIANAPOLIS — Two Hoosiers took home top honors at the World Food Championships, an event held at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis.

Craig Baker of Indianapolis won the World Chef Championship, and Jordan Davis of Carmel won the World Barbecue Championship, competing against more than 400 teams from 35 states and 14 countries.

Baker won a golden ticket to compete at the contest from Indiana Pork’s Taste of Elegance culinary competition last January. He is the executive chef at the InterContinental Indianapolis by IHG hotel in Indianapolis.

Davis is known as the “Smoking Pastor,” using food to uplift his community.

“Every year, the World Food Championships brings exceptional culinary talent to Indianapolis, and it’s especially meaningful to see local competitors earn their place among the world’s best,” said Mike McCloud, WFC founder and CEO.

“Craig Baker and Jordan Davis delivered championship performances in two highly competitive categories. Their victories are a great point of pride for Indiana and a reminder of the talent that can be found in the Hoosier State.”

Baker and Davis are among the 10 category champions crowned at the 2026 WFC. Each champion advances to the Final Table next spring, where the category winners will compete for the title of World Food Champion.

The recent event also featured live demonstrations, food tastings, entertainment and interactive experiences for fans.