18 January 2025 - Written By
The reigning League of Fire World Chilli-Eating Champion, Mike Jack Eats Heat, representing Canada, has successfully defended his world title three times across the globe, after first winning it in Auckland in 2023, cementing his status as the number one competitive chilli-eater in the world.
Mike’s World Title journey began in Auckland, New Zealand, where, as the Americas Champ, he faced the formidable Oceania Champion, Aussie Greg Barlow, at Clint Meyer’s legendary Fire Dragon Chillies Festival. He then travelled to Prague, Czechia, where he defended his title against the European Champion, Italian contender Capitan Jack Pepper Giancarlo Gasparotto, at the Prague Chilli Fest. His next battle took place in the United Kingdom, where he faced American contender and Denver Belt holder, Fiery Redd Stephen Curgan at FeastyFest Cheam.
Most recently, Mike took on Jack Pepper once again at the Sofia Chilli Fest at Chilli Hills Farm in Bulgaria, after his opponent had since added the Intercontinental Belt to his European title. This thrilling rematch saw Mike once again defeat Jack Pepper in a nail-biting Death Race finale after an extreme battle of endurance.
Despite its growing popularity, extreme chilli-eating remains a relatively new sport, with only a handful of athletes worldwide considered professional competitive chilli-eaters. The League of Fire (LOF) is at the forefront of this movement, working tirelessly to establish and expand the sport on a global scale.
An Historic Event: LOF Africa’s Debut at the Festival of Fire
The next League of Fire World Title Chilli-Eating Belt Match is set to take place at the Festival of Fire in Cape Town, South Africa, on 29th March 2025. This event marks the launch of League of Fire Africa (LOFA) – a significant milestone in the expansion of competitive chilli-eating. For years, there has been a passionate chilli-eating community in South Africa, and this new partnership will finally provide them with an opportunity to compete on an international stage.
Unfortunately, due to the logistical and financial challenges of long-distance travel, Mike Jack will be unable to defend his title in Cape Town. In line with the League of Fire rules AND the precedent set by previous champions – Justin Rummel, who vacated the title due to COVID-related travel restrictions, and Shahina ‘The UK Chilli Queen’ Waseem, who relinquished the title twice for different reasons, including travel costs – Mike has graciously agreed to vacate the title for this occasion. Both Mike and his coach, Jamie, have expressed their full support for this new venture, recognising the importance of launching LOF Africa with a world title match as its headline event.
The League of Fire had initially planned for legendary South African Chilli Head, Gary ‘Scorpion Slayer’ Concar, to face Mike Jack in March. Gary is something of a chilli celebrity on the South African festival circuit, having triumphed in multiple gruelling contests across the Rainbow Nation. Recognising his exceptional prowess, the League of Fire is thrilled to present him with this long-awaited opportunity. So far, Gary has won the following titles:
- Western Cape Chilli Eating Champion 2020
- National Chilli Eating Champion 2022 (SA Champion)
- Festival of Fire Chilli Eating Champion 2023
- Festival of Fire Chilli Eating Champion 2024
As for his opponent, after reaching out to the other continental champions – all of whom, unfortunately, faced the same logistical constraints that prevented Mike Jack’s participation – the League of Fire sought a formidable contender. This competitor not only holds a recognised local title belt but has also demonstrated exceptional skill on the grandest stage of all: a World Title Bout.
We are excited to announce that Stephen ‘Fiery Redd’ Curgan will be travelling to Cape Town for his second attempt at claiming the World Chilli-Eating Title. Stephen is the reigning Denver Title Belt holder and has set multiple League of Fire world records in product challenges in the World Community Chilli Championships. Additionally, he faced Mike Jack in UK last year, pushing the reigning champion to the nail-biting Death Race finale.
So there you have it! Gary ‘Scorpion Slayer’ Concar vs Stephen ‘Fiery Redd’ Curgan for the 12th World Chilli Eating Title! South Africa vs USA! This will be EPIC!
This event in Cape Town is only the beginning. The LOF is committed to expanding competitive chilli-eating worldwide, and more world title bouts will be announced for 2025. While Mike Jack may be stepping back, his legacy as one of the greatest champions in the history of the sport is firmly established – and this will certainly not be the last we hear of him.
Stay tuned for very exciting updates as the countdown to the Festival of Fire begins!
Book your tickets now and witness a world’s first for South Africa.
