The 10th Annual Riviera Maya Chili Cook-Off delivered exactly what we’ve all come to expect — big flavors, friendly rivalry, and an afternoon full of laughter at Restaurant Latitude 20° +/- in Puerto Aventuras.
Organized by the Rotary Club of Playa del Carmen Seaside, this milestone event marked a decade of delicious chili, camaraderie, and measurable community impact. A fantastic crowd gathered to sample, sip, vote, and support programs that make a real difference here in the Riviera Maya.
This year’s chefs brought their A-game. After tasting every entry and casting their ballots, attendees crowned the 2026 winners:
Third Place: Sean Kelly
Second Place: Alana Hogel
First Place: Betty Kolewaski — Top Chef with the “Best Chili on the Riviera Maya!”
The winning chefs took home gift baskets, restaurant gift certificates, and the ultimate prize — bragging rights until next year.
But beyond the trophies, the true beneficiaries are the children and families served by Seaside Rotary’s community initiatives. Proceeds from this year’s event will fund essential equipment for the neonatal department at the General Hospital of Playa del Carmen.
Babies born in this hospital often face an uphill battle. Doctors and nurses work tirelessly, but too often without the basic monitoring equipment many of us take for granted. Without reliable tools to track heart rate, oxygen levels, and administer IV medications accurately, medical teams are forced to make critical decisions without real-time data.
The equipment funded by Seaside Rotary will help prevent delayed diagnoses, missed warning signs, medication errors, and, ultimately, tragic loss of life.
Of course, no Chili Cook-Off would be complete without a little extra excitement. Our 50/50 raffle winner went home with an impressive 13,550 pesos, adding even more cheer to an already lively afternoon.
Guests enjoyed entry to this private event, 2×1 drink specials, chili tastings, voting rights, and a chance at the raffle. As in years past, seating sold quickly — a testament to how much this event has become a local favorite.
Events like this don’t happen without teamwork. Thank you to our chefs, volunteers, sponsors, Latitude 20° for hosting us once again, and everyone who showed up to taste, vote, and support.
Ten years in — and we’re just getting warmed up.
