Food-themed competitions take culinary celebrations to a whole new level, mixing creativity, skill, and sometimes sheer silliness. From racing after cheese to battling with oranges, these quirky events bring food lovers together for unforgettable fun. Here are 15 of the most unusual food competitions held around the globe.
Cooper's Hill Cheese Rolling (England)
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Every year in Gloucestershire, competitors tumble down a steep hill chasing a 9-pound wheel of Double Gloucester cheese. The event is as chaotic as it is entertaining, with participants risking bumps and bruises to claim the cheese as their prize. It’s one of England’s most beloved (and dangerous) traditions.
La Tomatina (Spain)
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Bunol, Spain, hosts this massive tomato fight, where participants hurl overripe tomatoes at one another in a city-wide food battle. Streets turn red, and thousands leave soaked in tomato juice. Although there’s no winner, the sheer joy of this messy tradition keeps visitors coming back every year.
World Poutine Eating Championship (Canada)
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In Toronto, competitors race against the clock to devour as much poutine as possible—Canada’s iconic dish of fries, cheese curds, and gravy. This messy eating contest celebrates indulgence and culinary pride, attracting both amateur and professional eaters with its mix of skill and stomach capacity.
Gilroy Garlic Festival Cook-Off (USA)
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Gilroy, California, the self-proclaimed “Garlic Capital of the World,” celebrates garlic with a competitive cook-off. Chefs create savory dishes, desserts, and drinks using garlic in inventive ways. Dishes like garlic ice cream and garlic prawns highlight the versatility of this kitchen staple in bold and unexpected ways.
Noodle Slurping Contest (Japan)
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In this fast-paced contest, participants race to slurp up bowls of ramen or soba noodles as quickly as possible—loud slurping encouraged! The competition embraces Japanese noodle culture, where a hearty slurp shows appreciation for the food. It’s a noisy, high-energy event filled with laughter and full stomachs.
Great American Pie Eating Contest (USA)
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Orlando, Florida, hosts a pie-eating showdown where contestants devour pies without using their hands. Sticky faces and laughter are guaranteed as competitors race to finish apple, cherry, or cream pies first. This classic American competition brings fun and friendly rivalry to one of the country’s most beloved desserts.
Battle of the Oranges (Italy)
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Ivrea, Italy, transforms into a citrus battlefield during its annual food fight. Teams dressed in historic costumes hurl oranges at one another to reenact a legendary revolt. The event honors local history while delivering a thrilling, juice-soaked spectacle that draws visitors from across the globe.
Chinchilla Melon Festival (Australia)
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In Chinchilla, Queensland, participants celebrate watermelons with quirky contests like “melon skiing” and seed-spitting competitions. Sliding across fields on melons as makeshift shoes adds humor and messiness to the event. This sticky festival celebrates the region’s melon-growing heritage with laughs, laughter, and plenty of watermelon juice.
Black Pudding Throwing Contest (England)
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In Ramsbottom, England, contestants take turns throwing black pudding—a sausage made with blood and oats—at stacks of Yorkshire puddings. The goal is to knock down as many as possible using underarm throws. This lighthearted event blends regional traditions into a fun, uniquely British competition.
Butter Sculpture Contest (USA)
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At state fairs across America, artists carve giant blocks of butter into intricate sculptures. From farm animals to sports figures, the creations showcase incredible skill and creativity. Butter doesn’t just belong on toast—it has become an art form in this visually impressive and highly competitive tradition.
Egg Throwing World Championships (England)
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In Swaton, England, competitors toss, catch, and catapult raw eggs in various events without breaking them. Teams test their accuracy, skill, and teamwork as they handle the fragile eggs. The event combines suspense, laughter, and a lot of cracked eggs for an unforgettable day of fun.
World Curry Festival Cook-Off (UK)
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Chefs from around the globe gather to create their best curry dishes in this UK-based cook-off. From fiery to fragrant, judges score each dish on flavor, creativity, and spice balance. The festival celebrates cultural diversity and highlights how curry unites food lovers with its rich, vibrant flavors.
Spam Carving Contest (USA)
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At Hawaii’s Spam Jam Festival, participants carve blocks of Spam into creative sculptures, turning canned meat into works of art. Designs range from animals to famous landmarks, combining humor and creativity. This quirky contest celebrates Hawaii’s long-standing love for Spam in a fun and unexpected way.
Oktoberfest Sausage Eating Contest (Germany)
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During Munich’s famous Oktoberfest, participants compete to eat as many bratwursts as possible in a timed event. Crowds cheer as competitors chow down, embracing the hearty German tradition of sausages and beer. The event captures the lively spirit of Oktoberfest while rewarding speed and stamina.
World Ice Cream Eating Championship (USA)
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This chilling competition challenges contestants to eat as much ice cream as possible without slowing down—brain freeze included! Held in various U.S. cities, the event tests endurance and love for everyone’s favorite frozen treat. Few leave victorious, but everyone leaves with sticky smiles and cold spoons.
