Erin “Spilda Beans” Evans

Fiery Full Moon Spice Spice Baby Chili

The myth. The legend. The chili champion you wish you could be. Spilda Beans doesn’t just make chili – they ARE chili. Born in a cloud of smoked paprika and raised on a steady diet of crushed red pepper and sheer determination, Spilda has been perfecting the art of chili domination since before their competition even knew how to boil water. Spilda’s chili isn’t just food – it’s a carnival for your tongue, complete with flavour acrobatics and a fiery grand finale. It’s soooooo good, rumour has it, Spilda’s chili kept astronauts fed at the space station – and they declared the flavour out of this world! Some say Spilda’s secret recipe involves a pact with a mystical Mexican bean farmer who only appears under a full moon; others swear they saw tears of joy in the beans themselves.When Spilda’s chili hits the table, mouths water, rivals shiver, and taste buds prepare for the ride of their lives. Spilda Beans isn’t just entering the competition – she’s here to destroy it. Competitors, bring your best… and If you can’t take the heat, stay out of the chili pot.

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Curt Geneau

Red Hot Glory

Curt “The Chili Whisperer” – Bringing the Heat for a Four-Peat!

Former champion and flavour mastermind, Curt is storming into the Oliver Chili Cookoff 2025 with one goal: making it a legendary four-peat victory. Known for crafting chili so bold it practically stirs itself, Curt’s fiery creations have left competitors sweating and judges begging for the recipe.

This year, he’s turning up the heat with his latest masterpiece: “Curt’s Red Hot Glory”—a flame-kissed fusion of spice, smoke, whispers and pure dominance. Rumour has it this chili is so good, even spoons are looking forward to it.

Competitors beware: Curt’s not here to play nice. He’s here to stir up trouble and burn down the competition—one spoonful at a time. Will anyone be able to handle the heat, or will Curt claim his rightful place in the chili hall of flame along the few other three-peat victors?

Prediction: Three wins. One legend. Zero mercy.

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Sheri Bolger

Sugar Shack Supreme Chili

Sheri is hoping to avoid the sophomore jinx, and rise one spot up on the podium this year, and win gold. Like her chili, Sheri is both spicy and sweet.

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Stef Jones

Lost Ark Chili

Deep deserts of Egypt in 1938 an explorer discovered a cave opening that had been revealed by the wind on the side of a dune. Just big enough to fit inside, he crawled through the hole. After coming to the end of the small tunnel he lit a torch. To his amazement he stood inside a huge cavern covered with ancient paintings of a gold box like object. Different pictures showing the box in places throughout what looked to be northern Africa. All the people in the paintings holding bowls and spoons, raising them to the sky. Walking through the cavern while looking at the different paintings, his boot caught on something on the floor…It almost looks like a man, but with golden wings pointed forward. He began to dig. Slowly uncovering a golden box. Could it be? The box from the paintings. Indeed it was! After uncovering the entire box, he decided to open it. Very carefully he pried the lid. A loud whoosh was heard while filling the room with a hazy dust. After the dust had settled he peered inside the box. A bowl, spoon and a single piece of papyrus. On the papyrus was written…a recipe? Could this be….Lost Ark Chili!

Today, for the first time known to man, Dr. Jones will be creating what his Grandfather discovered almost 100 years ago. 

I’ve had to travel the world for some of these ingredients. Many only known to their native country. Prepare your tastebuds for a chili bursting with ancient flavours and aromas. 

Dare the judges go against an ancient recipe so revered the people thanked the Gods for it? Do so at your peril judges…do so at…your…peril.

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Lianna Nelles

Triple Black Diamond Off-Piste Chili

Hello again Sexy Chili People!
This year finds me carving my way through the corduroy to The Skinner Chili Stadium for the 6th time. I am so stoked to be here!!

In order to succeed in life, one must take risks. Recently during a first tracks run through the pow, down the steep slopes and across the mile-wide pistes of the Swiss Alps, I realized I am a risk taker.
While I take no chances with my sensational chili and it’s time-perfected recipe filled with pristine ingredients, I do endanger my life each and every time I step inside the chili stadium. Some chili chef stations resemble a yard sale. Traversing through the all spectators clinging to the sides of the bar is like taking a green run. The rat track up the stairs to judgement day and the occasional chili pot fire are to name but a few of the hazards I face.

These risks taken are all just part of a bluebird day for me. The gapers to my left and right will end up out of control in a cowboy downhill on their attempt to the finish line. Then when the other chili chefs french fry and pizza their way to the 1st round of elimination, I will shred the gnar all the way to win 2025’s Chili Champ with my Triple Black Diamond Off-Piste Chili!

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Louis-Claude Rioux

Wingin’ it Chili

After an unforgettable debut that saw him claim both first and last place honors, Louis-Claude is making a triumphant return to the chili cook-off! Armed with a reimagined, refined, and reinvigorated recipe, he’s keeping the details under wraps until the big day. Will his bold new approach wow the judges, or spark another legendary result? Stay tuned!

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Dave Wilkins

Preacher’s Hell Fire

During the Great Depression a southern Preacher worried about the wages of sin. As a concrete lesson he developed a chili which was so delicious it was tempting, yet so hot it reminded you that temptation can lead to pain.
The meal known as the Preacher’s Hell Fire became famous across the South and was responsible for the rate of baptisms going through the roof. It must be noted that critics claim that the lineup at the baptism tank may well be people needing to get close to cool water.

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Min Love

Tropic Heat Chili

Growing up in the cold, dark north, but dreaming of tropic sunshine, Min has mastered the blending of bold, fiery flavors of chili with the laid-back, vibrant vibes of the tropics.
Min’s culinary creation is inspired by the islands, beaches, and of course heat.
Tropic Heat Chili stands out for its sweet-and-spicy balance and its ability to transport you to the island life with just one bite. Min’s cook-off style is all about creating a unique experience—she isn’t just competing for the title, she’s sharing a piece of paradise she’s discovered in every bowl.
When Min’s not whipping up her famous chili, you’ll find her researching and designing non-stop, exquisite itineraries for traveling the world or sipping on a chilled coconut lime drink by the beach. Her motto? “Spice up your life, and dream of paradise!”

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