More than 250 guests attended the 2024 edition of this annual event, while 11 teams put their chili-cooking skills to the test. The judges panel (listed below) included 2024 Paris Olympics High Jump Silver medalist Shelby McEwen. The event also featured live music by the Chris Castaneda Trio and DJ sets by Trade Entertainment.

Check out the judges panel, award winners, and full list of participating teams below!

Judges Panel

  1. Celebrity Judge: Shelby McEwen 4x U.S Champion; 2024 High Jump Olympic Silver medalist; 2x Olympian; #2 in the world; Professional Jumper for Nike
  2. Stefany Records, Executive Director, Administrative and Finance
  3. Dr. Dan Maxwell, Interim Vice President for Student Success & Student Life
  4. Dr. Bonnie Blumberg, Lecturer
  5. Miguel Herrera, SGA Treasurer

First Place

Gator Bayou Cookers

Advancement & University Relations

Team Captain: Michael Manuel

Second Place

Dia de los Gators

Environmental Health & Safety / Facilities

Team Captain: Adam Valdez

Third Place

UHD Bike Club

Student team

Team Captain: Lex Perez

Best Dessert

Gator Bayou Cookers

Advancement & University Relations

Team Captain: Michael Manuel

People’s Choice Chili

Hells Chili  

Student team

Team Captain: Iker Pelcastre

People’s Choice Décor

Dia de los Gators

Environmental Health & Safety / Facilities

Team Captain: Adam Valdez

 

Participants

Team Name

Department/Organization Name:

Team Captain

Team Co-Captain

1. Gator Bayou Cookers

Advancement & University Relations

Michael Manuel

 

2. Bad Rumor Kookers

Alumni

Victor Landin

Marie Olivier

3. Chili Reaction

Natural Science

Courtney Cain

Bruce Greer

4. Walker's Chili Crushers

Urban Education

Demi Walker

Jordyn Walker

5. UHD Staff Council

UHD Staff Council

Adrian Bermudez

Jr Sears

6. Urban Cowboy Cookers

Alumni

Albert Alonzo

Zach McKay

7. Code 1 Chili Cookers

Police

Imelda Rodriguez

Vanessa Gay

8. Hells Chilli

Students

Iker Pelcastre

Samantha Pueblos

9. UHD Bike Club

UHD Bike Club

Lex Perez

Mauricio Perales

10. Dia de los Gators

Environmental Health & Safety / Facilities

Adam Valdez

Abraham Flores

11. The Spice is Right

UHD Human Resources

Cece Booty

Eric Morales