World Championship Hot Wing Contest & Festival: 20 years of hot wings and fun

Jennifer Chandler, Memphis Commercial Appeal

October 18, 2022 at 10:00 PM·3 min read

Grilled wings, smoked wings, fried wings — all kinds of hot wings will take center stage at Tiger Lane this weekend at the World Championship Hot Wing Contest & Festival. This popular festival is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.

The annual contest kicks off at 11 a.m. on Oct. 22 and runs until 7 p.m.

Be sure to be there at 3 p.m. when the hens start marching in. And, yes, you read that correctly. The parade is a festival tradition. The Memphis Second Line Jazz Band leads a flock of chickens across the main stage to the tune of “When the Saints Go Marching In.”

The 2019 Southern Hot Wings Festival at Tiger Lane. The 2022 event on Oct. 22 is now called The World Championship Hot Wing Contest & Festival.

The event, formerly known as the Southern Hot Wing Festival, has evolved into serious competition.

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Here are three things to know.

The competition

More than 70 teams will compete at this year’s event for the coveted title of Hot Wing World Champion.

Teams come from not only across the country, but from around the world.

Kansas City Barbecue Society has been sanctioning the contest for more than 10 years. The affiliation has helped the contest grow into the respected competition it is today.

“We are thrilled to have international teams from Canada, South Africa, Costa Rica, Mexico and Brazil in this year’s competition,” said Paul Gagliano, festival founder. “And as part of the World Wing Cup Series, competing teams will have a unique opportunity to collect points that when tallied at the end of 2025 festival, will garner the winning team a $25,000 grand prize.”

Yes! You can try the wings

Unlike many cooking contests, attendees at the World Championship Hot Wing Contest can sample the competition fare. In fact, attendees are encouraged to ask for samples.

Festival-goers will not only have a fun time sampling the competition’s creations, they will also have “something to crow about” as they will be making a contribution to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Memphis for each sample.

To date, the World Championship Hot Wing Contest & Festival has raised more than $300,000.

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Music, games and a Wing Eating Contest

The family-friendly event includes a Corn Hole Tournament and a Kid’s Corner with activities like face-painting, balloons and games.

Live music is also part of the festivities with five bands playing throughout the day, as well as a set by comedian Drew Davis. Aquanet, Play Some Skynyrd and Earl the Pearl are a few of the musical acts.

The Buffalo Soldiers team members Grey Pruitt and Matt Alley toss wings at The Southern Hot Wing Festival. The annual competition has been rebranded as "The World Championship Hot Wing Contest & Festival."

Do you love to eat hot wings? The Wing Eating Contest is your chance to be the reigning champion of the most popular world championship hot wing eating contest. The competition is limited to 12 competitors, and advance registration is required.

Two suggestions when attending this event: Come hungry and bring cash to sample championship-worthy wings while supporting the Ronald McDonald House Charities.

Jennifer Chandler is the Food & Dining reporter at The Commercial Appeal. She can be reached at jennifer.chandler@commercialappeal.com and you can follow her on Twitter and Instagram at @cookwjennifer.