More than 40 states represented at World Championship Chili Cook-Off in Myrtle Beach

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW) — More than 200 pro chili teams were in Myrtle Beach, whipping up flavorful recipes and hoping to take home a $75,000 prize purse.

This is the fourth year the Beach ‘n Chili Fest has come to Myrtle Beach. It’s right by the boardwalk with the smell of chili spicing up the air as locals and tourists walk down rows and rows of tents.

With over 400 chilis in the competition, some were going tent by tent to taste each one of the unique recipes. More than 40 states were represented including Florida, where Michael Powers and his family traveled from.

Powers has competed in many challenges, earning the top prize in some of them. He hopes to do that at this championship alongside his family.

“All the family comes, the grandson, it’s a family thing,” he said. “Hanging out with all of the other chili cooks, it’s all family.”

Another cook, Dan Richcreek, traveled with other cooks from Pennsylvania, keeping their eye on the first-place prize. He said while he got very close to placing the day prior, it only made the competition that much harder.

“It’s neat, the competition. It’s so tough,” Richcreek said. “Yesterday I missed making the main table by one point, which is a bummer, but it’s how it goes. It just brings your level of competition way up.”

There were many events including vintage car shows, a cornhole tournament, games, and “Battle of the Bands,” where they played some of their favorite songs or fight songs.

Contestants had themed tents from Jimmy Buffet’s “5 O’clock Somewhere,” the New York Giants, or a fire station. Powers said this is his fourth year competing in Myrtle Beach and that he loves coming back year after year.

“The crowd is always great here,” Powers said. “Great weather, you got families walking around with the kids, it just makes it fun.”

All of the events happening at the cook-off will also raise money for charities and local high schools.

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Hannah Huffstickler is a multimedia journalist at News13. She joined the News13 team in January 2024 after graduating from Coastal Carolina University in December of 2023. Keep up with Hannah on Facebook , X, formerly Twitter , and Instagram . You can also read more of her work here .

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