Who Won the 2026 Burger Bash? Highlights from SOBEWFF’s Opening Night

The sands of Miami Beach are currently home to one of the biggest food celebrations in the world. The South Beach Wine & Food Festival, also known as SOBEWFF, officially began its four-day event on February 19, 2026. This year is particularly special as it marks the 25th anniversary of the festival. While the event always brings in famous chefs from around the globe, this milestone edition is putting a much larger spotlight on the local business owners and chefs who make Miami a top food destination.

The celebration started with a fan-favorite event, the Burger Bash. This specific competition is also celebrating its own 20th anniversary this year. Over the years, it has become the most popular night of the festival, where thousands of people gather under massive white tents on the beach to eat, drink, and vote for the best burger in the city.

A Night of Competition on the Sand

The 2026 Burger Bash was hosted by the legendary Rachael Ray and Brooklyn Peltz Beckham. Together, they led a night filled with high energy and the smell of sizzling grills. More than 30 chefs and restaurants participated, each trying to win the title of “The Very Best Burger.”

The competition is divided into two main categories. First, there is the “Judges’ Award,” which is decided by a panel of celebrities and food experts. This year’s judges included Gayle King from CBS Mornings, model Ashley Graham, and local food star Matthew “Kush” Kuscher of Kush Hospitality. The second category is the “People’s Choice Award,” where every person attending the event gets to cast a vote for their favorite patty.

“Reaching our 25-year milestone is more than a celebration, it is a testament to the tremendous community behind the festival,” said Lee Brian Schrager, the founder of SOBEWFF. He explained that the goal of the event is to spotlight culinary excellence while also giving back to the community that supports these businesses every day.

Local Heroes Take the Stage

While many people come to see the TV stars, the real heart of the event is the local Miami talent. Several homegrown entrepreneurs used this year’s Burger Bash to showcase the unique flavors of South Florida.

One of the standout participants was R House Wynwood, led by Chef Rocco Carulli. Known for its vibrant atmosphere and creative food, R House brought a playful and over-the-top burger to the competition. Other local favorites included Cowy Burger, a Miami pop-up that has gained a massive following for its simple yet perfect cheeseburgers. Daniel Machicao and Carlos Reveron, the owners of Cowy Burger, have spent years perfecting their technique, and their presence at the festival shows how much local street food has grown in popularity.

Apocalypse BBQ, another local favorite, brought their signature smoky flavors to the beach. These businesses represent the diversity of the Miami food scene, blending different cultures and styles into a single dish. For many of these local chefs, being part of the 20th anniversary of the Burger Bash is a sign that their hard work is being recognized on a national level.

Supporting the Future of the Industry

Beyond the food and the parties, the festival has a very serious purpose. All the money raised during the four days goes toward supporting the Chaplin School of Hospitality and Tourism Management at Florida International University. Since the festival began, it has raised more than $45 million for the school.

This money helps provide scholarships and training for the next generation of hospitality leaders. Students from the university even work at the festival, getting real-world experience by helping the chefs and managing the crowds. This connection between the event and education is what makes the festival a major cultural engine for the city.

“We are proud to host a festival that not only spotlights great food but also strengthens the industry by investing in the leaders of tomorrow,” Schrager added during the opening night.

What to Expect for the Rest of the Weekend

The excitement does not stop with the Burger Bash. The festival continues through February 22 with more than 100 different events across Miami. On Friday, the focus shifts to the Tournament of Champions, a high-stakes cooking battle hosted by Guy Fieri.

Over the weekend, the Goya Foods’ Grand Tasting Village will take over three city blocks on the sand. This event allows visitors to walk around and sample food and wine from hundreds of different vendors. While the celebrity demonstrations are a big draw, the village also features many small Miami businesses that are getting their first chance to reach such a large audience.

The 2026 edition of the festival proves that Miami’s dining scene is world-class. By focusing on local entrepreneurs and pairing them with global stars, the festival creates a unique atmosphere that can only be found in this city. As the 25th anniversary continues, it is clear that the local hospitality industry is stronger and more creative than ever before.

For anyone who loves food, the beach, and the vibrant culture of South Florida, this weekend is the ultimate celebration of what makes Miami a special place to live and visit.