San Antonio, Texas, is poised to host a culinary showdown of epic proportions as Taco Cabana, a beloved regional fast-casual restaurant chain, announces its first-ever World Taco Eating Championship. This high-stakes food competition, set to take place on Saturday, September 20, 2025, will see professional competitive eaters and local hopefuls converge at the Austin Highway location to vie for a substantial $10,000 prize purse and a chance at a new Guinness World Record. The event marks a significant milestone for Taco Cabana as it celebrates its 47th anniversary, elevating its iconic bean and cheese taco to a global stage.
A New Frontier in Competitive Eating
The inaugural Taco Cabana World Taco Eating Championship promises a thrilling spectacle for fans of competitive eating and delicious Texas food alike. In partnership with Major League Eating (MLE), the leading organization in professional eating competitions, the event will feature intense ten-minute battles where participants will devour as many of Taco Cabana’s signature bean and cheese tacos as physically possible. These aren’t just any tacos; they are crafted with warm, pillowy flour tortillas generously filled with rich refried beans and a melty Monterey Jack-cheddar cheese blend, a staple that has delighted customers for decades. This partnership with MLE signals Taco Cabana’s serious entry into the world of high-profile eating competitions, bringing a new flavor to the often trending sport.
Adding another layer of excitement, a Guinness World Records judge will be on-site to officiate an attempt at a new world record. While the main contest spans ten minutes, the specific Guinness World Records title being targeted is for the most soft-shell tacos eaten in just three minutes, a challenging feat that will push competitors to their limits. This dual focus on both a championship title and a world record attempt ensures an electrifying atmosphere for all in attendance, putting San Antonio firmly on the map for significant food news.
The $10,000 Challenge
The allure of the championship extends beyond just the glory of victory, with a generous $10,000 total prize purse on the line. The top six finishers will receive cash prizes, with the grand champion taking home a hefty $5,000. Second place will be awarded $2,500, followed by $1,250 for third, $600 for fourth, $400 for fifth, and $250 for sixth place. This substantial reward is expected to attract some of the biggest names in professional eating, alongside ambitious local talent eager to prove their mettle. Prospective competitors, who must be 18 years or older, are encouraged to register for this unique opportunity to become part of competitive eating history right here in San Antonio.
Major League Eating is known for orchestrating some of the world’s most famous eating competitions, and their involvement underscores the professionalism and high standards of this upcoming event. Alongside MLE, Dr Pepper has also joined as a sponsor, further highlighting the widespread appeal and anticipated excitement surrounding the championship. This collaborative effort aims to deliver an unforgettable experience for both participants and spectators.
Taco Cabana’s Vision: Global Exposure and Community Spirit
Ulyses Camacho, President and COO of Taco Cabana, expressed the brand’s enthusiasm for the upcoming event. “As we recognize 47 years in business, we are proud to unveil a one-of-a-kind spectacle that’s unlike anything we’ve ever done before,” Camacho stated in a news release. He emphasized that the championship is a celebration featuring “world-class eaters, the electric thrill of a Guinness World Record attempt and the kind of global exposure that takes Taco Cabana to new heights.”
Since its founding in 1978, Taco Cabana has been an integral part of the Texas culinary landscape, known for its commitment to Mexican-inspired fare, open-display cooking, and freshly made tortillas. This event, celebrating nearly half a century in business, is a strategic move to reinforce Taco Cabana’s position as a beloved dining destination and to showcase a menu item that has remained a fan-favorite for decades. The decision to highlight the humble yet iconic bean and cheese taco reflects the brand’s roots and its dedication to classic, flavorful offerings.
San Antonio’s Culinary Stage
The choice of San Antonio as the host city is particularly fitting. As a cultural and culinary hub in Texas, San Antonio has a deep appreciation for Mexican-inspired cuisine, making it the perfect backdrop for a taco eating championship. The event is not just a competition; it’s a community celebration of food, competitive spirit, and local heritage. This unique gathering is expected to draw significant attention, boosting local tourism and providing a vibrant, family-friendly atmosphere at the Austin Highway restraunt location.
The World Taco Eating Championship promises to be a landmark event, fusing intense food competitions with the festive spirit of a major anniversary. Taco Cabana’s initiative is set to create memorable news for the brand and the city of San Antonio, establishing a new tradition in the world of competitive eating and solidifying the bean and cheese taco’s place in history.
