Introduction to the Big Tex Choice Awards
Oohs and ahhs erupted from a crowd in Dallas’ Fair Park when a State Fair of Texas spokesperson announced the belt-busting, headline-making dishes at the Big Tex Choice Awards, the fair’s annual food and drink contest.
The loudest cries came for one of the strangest: Wagyu Bacon Cheeseburger Deviled Egg Sliders. It won “most creative.”
“To use egg as the vehicle for a bun, who’d ever thought that would work?” asked Jeff Allen, a Super Bowl winning NFL player for the Kansas City Chiefs and a judge for the annual State Fair event.
He loved it.
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The entire panel of five judges did. And just like that, concessionaire Kendall Williams’ Wagyu Bacon Cheeseburger Deviled Egg Sliders was lauded for its zany name and great taste.
“Listen,” said Keandre “Dre” Hopkins, another Big Tex Choice Awards judge and an influencer who runs @dreindallas.
“I think I’m gonna buy at least 10 of these.”
‘Defined Dish’ cookbook author Alex Snodgrass was one of five judges at the State Fair of Texas’ Big Tex Choice Awards on Aug. 21, 2025.
Nathan Hunsinger / Special Contributor
History of the Big Tex Choice Awards
The Big Tex Choice Awards made history in 2025. Judges crowned four winners, one more than the usual three. A category called “best taste — sipper” was added in 2025 after an influx of “fairified drinks” were entered into the contest, said Karissa Condoianis, senior vice president of public relations and spokesperson for the State Fair, during the Big Tex Choice Awards announcement on Aug. 21, 2025.
And although food and drink have been highlights at the State Fair of Texas for most of its nearly 140-year history, the menu was supersized 20 years ago, when the Big Tex Choice Awards were founded.
2025 winners of the State Fair of Texas’ Big Tex Choice Awards
The Winners of the 2025 Big Tex Choice Awards
It’s the 21st year of the Big Tex Choice Awards. Concessionaires submitted 76 entries into the contest in 2025. From that list, 30 were named semifinalists and 15 were announced as finalists.
Here’s a breakdown of the four winners of the 2025 Big Tex Choice Awards. Think of these as the queens of the State Fair of Texas.
They’re bound to be the belles of this fried-food ball.
Best Taste – Sweet
Chill & Thrill Delight
