1st Annual • Huntington Beach, California
Waves & Flames Pepper Fest 2026
Benefiting Best Buddies Citizens ~ SoCal
The Main Event
League of Fire Professional Pepper Eating Competition
The Huntington Beach Belt Match brings national and international League of Fire competitors to the sand for a professional pepper eating showdown — the hottest title fight on the coast.
Huntington Beach Belt Match
Pro eaters face the world's hottest peppers head-to-head, League of Fire rules, with the belt on the line.
Plus a Youth Contest so the next generation of chiliheads gets their shot — at a friendlier heat level.
Spicy Fun for Everyone
What's Happening at the Fest
Wings & Taco Contests
Spicy hot wings and taco eating contests all day long.
Food & Spirits
Local eats and drinks to cool the burn — or stoke it.
Live Music
Beach vibes and live sets running throughout the fest.
Craft Hot Sauce Vendors
Small-batch sauce makers and other artisan vendors.
Free Hot Sauce Tasting
Sample the lineup at no charge and find your new favorite.
Kid Zone
A family-friendly zone so the whole crew can join the fun.
Faces of the Fest
The Lineup
Shahina Waseem
Celebrity International Hostess • UKCQFrom Solento, Italy
Celebrity International LOF CompetitorBritney "Spicy Creatch" Amber
Local Celebrity Blogger • LOF Guest CompetitorAnnee "The Reaper Teacher" Boyer
Orchestrator • with Best Buddies Citizen Jennifer RobledoKnow Before You Bite
The Scoville Surf Report
Today's heat conditions, from ankle-slappers to a full 1.47 million SHU wipeout.
Surf report scale is for bragging rights only. Milk not included.