World Food Championships Honors Kelly Trumpold as 2025 Sous Chef of the Year
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – (November 10, 2025) – The World Food Championships (WFC), celebrated for showcasing the world’s top culinary talent, also recognizes the individuals whose contributions behind the scenes elevate the competition to something extraordinary. Among these special honors is the Sous Chef of the Year Award, presented to a competitor who demonstrates unmatched teamwork, leadership without titles, and an unwavering commitment to supporting others throughout the event.
For 2025, that honor was awarded to Kelly Trumpold, whose dedication, humility, and tireless work ethic made a lasting impact on competitors and staff alike.
During WFC 2025 in Indianapolis, Kelly played an integral role as part of Team Croix Valley, delivering invaluable support to his wife and Bacon Category second place finisher (tie) Elizabeth Trumpold and Sandwich Category finalist Damon Holter. While others stepped into the spotlight, Kelly worked behind the scenes; organizing, motivating, troubleshooting, and ensuring every detail was executed with precision.
“Kelly embodies everything this award represents,” said Mike McCloud, Founder and CEO of the World Food Championships. “He leads not by recognition, but by action. His loyalty, selflessness, and commitment to helping his team succeed, without hesitation or applause, are exactly what the Sous Chef of the Year award is meant to celebrate.”
Known for his steady composure and seemingly limitless reliability, Kelly became the backbone of his team throughout the competition. Whether preparing, supporting, or adapting to last-minute challenges, he delivered results that spoke louder than any title could.
The WFC Sous Chef of the Year award highlights individuals whose excellence isn’t measured by medals alone, but by the encouragement they offer, the teams they strengthen, and the culture of collaboration they inspire. In a competition driven by individual skill, Kelly stood out for lifting others higher.
Congratulations to Kelly Trumpold, a leader behind the line, a teammate above all, and a true champion of Food Sport.
Competitors, partners, and fans of Food Sport can stay up to date on all things related to the World Food Championships by visiting worldfoodchampionships.com or follow World Food Championships on Facebook and Instagram (@WorldFoodChampionships), Twitter (X) (@WorldFoodChamp), and LinkedIn (@WorldFoodChampionshipsHoldings).
About World Food Championships
The World Food Championships (WFC) is the premier food sport competition globally. This multi-day, live culinary event showcases some of the world's best cooks competing for food, fame, and fortune across multiple categories. Each year, thousands of teams vie for a coveted Golden Ticket at official qualifiers to earn their spot at WFC. Since its debut in 2012, the event has attracted participants from nearly 40 countries and every state in the U.S. The 2025 World Food Championships took place October 16-19 at the Indiana Farm Bureau Fall Creek Pavilion, located at the Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center in Indianapolis. For more information, visit WorldFoodChampionships.com.
*Article reposted from worldfoodchampionships.com
