NASHVILLE, Tenn., Jan. 22, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The World Food Championships announced plans today to partner with cities, destinations or tourism organizations to host Super Regional qualifying events throughout the United States.

Now in its third year, the World Food Championships is the world's largest culinary competition, featuring special food challenges, surprise ingredients and a multi-category tournament structure that whittles 500 competitors down to a Final Table face-off between nine category champions. The championship, which has occurred in Las Vegas the past two years, is the culmination of a year-long, world-wide search for the best team, cook or chef in the world of competition food. At stake are hundreds of thousands of dollars and TV fame through a reality show on the FYI network.

Competitors come from all walks of life, as evidenced by the two past champions Robert Butler, a professional chef from Las Vegas, and Dave Elliott, a marketing manager from Olathe, Kan. Butler won in 2012 with his "Bahn Mi in France" sandwich, while Elliott surprised the field with his "Mom's Carrot Cake," a family-treasured home recipe. Each winner bested more than 250 other culinary champions as they earned their way to the Final Table and ultimately the title "World Food Champion.

"Culinary competitions are one of the fastest growing event ideas in America," said Mike McCloud, President and co-founder of the World Food Championships. "Not only do people love food, but they want to be engaged and educated in the world of food sport. That, plus the fact that our competition has leveled the playing field for amateurs and professionals alike, is why the World Food Championships has become the hottest property in food entertainment."

Also garnering attention is the economic impact of the World Food Championships. In 2013 alone, the WFC had a $15 million economic and publicity impact on the city of Las Vegas. The 2013 event will be aired this summer in a special six-episode series on A &E Networks' new lifestyle network FYI. Along with potential TV exposure, the super regional qualifiers will feature a mobile competition kitchen that is powered by Kenmore, WFC's official appliance partner.  

"As more visibility has begun to shine on the World Food Championships our event has grown exponentially," said Larry Oliphant, Vice President and co-founder of the World Food Championships. "Introducing Super Regionals in 2014 will help us funnel the growth of the event into other exciting destinations that are known and respected for their culinary heritage."

To learn about the RFP process for a Super Regional event, including proposal requirements and guidelines, visit worldfoodchampionships.com/rfp or contact the World Food Championships at rfp@worldfoodchampionshipos.com. Proposals for potential host cities or destinations will be accepted through March 31, 2014.

About the World Food Championships
 
The World Food Championships is a yearlong, world-wide search for the best team, cook or chefs in competition food sport. The event culminates in a 4-day high-stakes food fight to name the ultimate World Food Champion. Major bragging rights and $300,000 are on the line as competitors, from Pros to average Joes, earn their right to compete in a tournament-style competition in categories such as bacon, barbecue, burger and more! To learn more, visit www.worldfoodchampionships.com. 

CONTACT: Jeff Morris
         615-297-6886
         jeffm@mmacreative.com