Guy Fieri Hosts Tournament of Champions at SOBEWFF, Cooks Lunch for FIU Students Who Helped Organize Festival
Guy Fieri, known as the Mayor of Flavortown, returned to South Florida to host the Tournament of Champions at the South Beach Wine & Food Festival. The event was a food fight on the beach, with a side of drinks and partying, as 24 competitors battled it out to see who makes the best bite.
The Competition
Among the contenders was Joe Sasto, the owner of Tantos, who made some pasta nachos for the tournament. Abe Moiz, who owns Krakatoa Indonesian Cuisine in Hollywood, wowed the crowd with his chicken stew with sweet soy sauce from Indonesia. "It’s chicken stew with sweet soy sauce from Indonesia. You must try it now, and then you have to tell me the truth," Moiz told 7News reporter Samantha Sosa. Sosa took a bite and declared it "perfect."
Meanwhile, Bobby Marcotte, a butcher from New Hampshire, put an Italian spin on his food. "I wanted to step it up. I did a braised beef inside a pasta with amaro gravy," he said. "I honestly – I’ve got the longest line right now. I think word is starting to spread."
The Judges’ Favorite
Each guest received a special coin and voted for their favorite dishes. "I’m looking for something that is flavorful and unique," said food blogger Joseph Calcavecchia.
Fieri’s Favorite 305 Flavors
Speaking with 7News before the event, Fieri said he can’t get enough of those Miami flavors. When asked to name his favorite 305 flavor, the Food Network star replied, "I am a mofongo junkie. When I had it, I’m like, ‘Wait a second.’"
Appreciating the Volunteers
Aside from the food and drinks, Fieri wanted to show his appreciation for some talented Florida International University students. "We’re doing it for them, but we couldn’t do it without them," he said. These students are the ones who help put the annual event together. FIU’s Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management sends around 1,500 students to SOBEWFF every year to help run it.
Fieri’s Rescue Trailer
Fieri and his team used their massive rescue truck, which is stationed along the East Coast to be ready to help feed disaster victims and first responders. "It says right here: ‘serving those who serve us,’" said Fieri. But on Friday, Fieri served a group that, he said, teaches him new things all the time.
Student Feedback
For the students, it was an honor to be a part of the event. "I had a nice chicken sandwich with some coleslaw in it. It was great," said FIU student Lizzy Gelakis. "I’m stuffed, I’m full, and it’s been an honor just to be around, like, amazing chefs and people in the industry." Gabriela Geller, another FIU student, added, "That’s the fun about it, is that they challenge us to be better. They have techniques and moods and styles and things that they want to do. Just keep an open mind and allow them to be an equal part of it."
The Winner
As for the Tournament of Champions, Maneet Chauhan emerged victorious, taking home $5,000 for the charity of her choice, Autism Speaks.
Conclusion
The 2025 South Beach Wine & Food Festival continues this weekend at various locations. For more information, click here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the South Beach Wine & Food Festival?
A: The South Beach Wine & Food Festival is an annual event that brings together food, wine, and music enthusiasts.
Q: Who is hosting the Tournament of Champions?
A: Guy Fieri is hosting the Tournament of Champions at this year’s South Beach Wine & Food Festival.
Q: How many students help organize the festival each year?
A: Florida International University’s Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management sends around 1,500 students to SOBEWFF each year to help run the event.
Q: What is the purpose of Fieri’s rescue truck?
A: Fieri’s rescue truck is stationed along the East Coast to be ready to help feed disaster victims and first responders.
