A chance for a medal: Israeli team to compete in the world championship for open-fire cooking
For the first time in history, an official delegation led by top chefs and a MasterChef winner will represent Israel at the open-fire cooking championship, attempting to stun the world with a massive kosher dish.
For the first time in history, an official Israeli team is set to participate in the world championship for open-fire cooking, Open Fire Meat Up, taking place in October 2026 in Hondo, Texas. This is one of the most prominent events in the world of barbecue, with about 40 teams from 20 countries and 700 culinary professionals expected to attend.
The Israeli delegation will be led by captain Reuven Maislos, joined by chefs Charlie Fadida, Yehuda Amar (winner of "MasterChef"), Vlad Shaburin, Ghanem Abu Gamous, and Dror Mamilia. The team aims to bring a distinct local style to the competition, blending Israeli culinary traditions with expert open-fire techniques.
A highlight of the delegation's presentation will be a kosher Wagyu shawarma spit weighing a massive 200 kilograms. The shawarma will be roasted entirely over coals, and the combination of a dish synonymous with Mediterranean cuisine and premium Wagyu beef is expected to be a major draw.
Beyond the competition, the team will conduct an official Israeli cooking workshop for chefs and influencers from around the globe. The entire experience will be documented on social media to showcase Israeli culinary arts to an international audience.
"In a world where food often serves as a bridge between cultures, our delegation seeks to present Israeli cuisine to a broad professional and international audience," the team noted.
The combination of a first-of-its-kind Israeli team, renowned chefs, and the visual spectacle of a 200-kilogram dish is set to make Israel's participation one of the most intriguing stories of the competition.
