Episode 389: Mike McCloud
Apr 15, 2026
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Summary:
In this special edition of The Produce Moms Podcast, host Lori Taylor welcomes Mike McCloud, Founder and CEO of the World Food Championships (WFC), for an inside look at the fast-growing world of “food sport.” With Lori recently named a judge for the Final Table event in Bentonville, this episode explores how culinary competition has evolved into a global stage for chefs, home cooks, and food innovators alike.
Mike shares the origin story of WFC-from its roots in competitive barbecue to becoming a worldwide culinary phenomenon featuring over 350 teams from 30+ countries. Together, Lori and Mike break down what “food sport” really means, how competitors qualify, and what it takes to win through the intense “culinary gauntlet.”
The conversation also highlights the highly anticipated Final Table event, where top champions compete for a $100,000 prize, as well as the broader WFC ecosystem including brand partnerships, product innovation opportunities, and ways for consumers to engage. Whether you’re a food enthusiast, brand leader, or aspiring competitor, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most exciting movements in food today.
Takeaways:
- “Food sport” combines culinary creativity with competitive structure, rules, and judging—similar to traditional athletics.
- The World Food Championships began in 2012 and has grown into a global event with hundreds of teams and multiple food categories.
- Competitors must win multiple rounds including qualifiers, category championships, and final table challenges to earn the top prize.
- The Final Table is a separate, high-stakes event where 10 category champions compete for a $100,000 grand prize.
- Signature challenges like “Taste & Recreate” test not only cooking skill but palate, memory, and decision-making under pressure.
- WFC serves as a powerful platform for brands to test products, gain chef-driven innovation, and connect with key audiences.
- There are multiple ways to engage with WFC as a competitor, judge, sponsor, volunteer, or attendee.
Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction & Special Announcement: Lori Joins Final Table as Judge
01:00 – Meet Mike McCloud & the Origin of World Food Championships
03:30 – The Evolution of Competitive Cooking & Culinary Culture
05:30 – Defining “Food Sport”
08:00 – Judging Criteria & What Makes a Winning Dish
10:30 – What is the Final Table? Format & Stakes Explained
13:30 – The Culinary Gauntlet: What It Takes to Win
16:00 – Signature Challenges: Taste & Recreate
17:30 – Year-Round Competition & Qualification Process
18:30 – How Brands, Competitors & Consumers Can Get Involved
20:00 – Final Thoughts & Invitation to Engage with WFC
Resources:
Website: World Food Championships – The Ultimate Food Fight
Facebook: World Food Championships | Facebook
Instagram: World Food Championships (@worldfoodchampionships) • Instagram photos and videos
YouTube: World Food Championships – YouTube
