Texas Border Business
EDINBURG, Texas – Over the weekend, pitmasters from across the state of Texas gathered at the Ebony Hills Golf Course for the highly anticipated 17th Annual Texas Cook’Em: High Steaks In Edinburg. This thrilling event brought together 70 cooking teams as they competed for the prestigious title of Overall Champion. Texas Cook’Em was presented by H-E-B, Bert Ogden Auto Group, City of Edinburg, Edinburg Economic Development Corporation, Bert Ogden Auto Group and the Edinburg Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Sanctioned by the Champions Barbecue Alliance (CBA) and the Steak Cookoff Association (SCA), Texas Cook’Em offered an exhilarating atmosphere filled with fierce competition. The event’s organizers were proud to award $25,000 in prize money to the deserving winners.
The highlight of this year’s competition was Reyes Sepulveda with Texas Sweet Heat BBQ, who emerged as the victor and claimed the coveted title of Texas Cook’Em Overall Champion. In addition, Daniel Rodriguez with Smoke-In D’s BBQ was crowned the CBA Grand Champion, while Mario Benavidez with team Chillin N Grillin achieved the esteemed status of CBA Reserved Champion. Alma Vera, representing Vera’s King-O-Meats cooking team, secured 1st place in the Steak Championship, earning a golden ticket to compete at the SCA World Championship in 2024 at Fort Worth, TX for the World’s Largest Steak Cookoff.
Beyond the thrilling cook-off, Texas Cook’Em delighted attendees with a range of free family entertainment options. The Bert Ogden Auto Group Car & Truck Show, the H-E-B Stars & Stripes Firework Show, a breathtaking Freedom Jump Skydive show, 15 USA Amateur Boxingfight, Yoga on the Greens and a captivating free concert by Aaron Watson were among the highlights that added to the festive atmosphere.
The event saw an impressive turnout, with over 6,000 people in attendance throughout the two-day celebration. The Edinburg Chamber extends its heartfelt gratitude to all the participants who contributed to the success of this year’s event. The support of dedicated volunteers from Texas Cook’Em was invaluable, as they selflessly devoted their time, talents, and skills to various aspects of the event and cook-off, including the judge’s tent, hospitality tent, and assistance from all City of Edinburg Departments. The Edinburg Chamber acknowledges and appreciates their tremendous efforts.
The Edinburg Chamber would like to express its sincere appreciation to the sponsors whose generous support made Texas Cook’Em possible.
The City of Edinburg, H-E-B, Edinburg Convention and Visitors Bureau, Edinburg Economic Development Corporation, Bert Ogden Auto Group,Linebarger, Raul Resendez State Farm Insurance, Aguilar’s Meat Market, Vera’s King Of Meats, Texas National Bank, DHR Health, UTRGV, Ron Hoover, SitePro, KTEX, The Monitor, L & F Distributors, Super Tejano, Greater State Bank, Qube Group, Plains Capital Bank, Greater Texas Credit Union, RGV Tours, Kids Kollege Learning Center, Martin Farm and Ranch Supply, G3 Scrap Metal, Chorizo De San Manuel, and Cytech Heating and Cooling all played a vital role in the success of the event.
The Texas Cook’Em organizing committee, with the support of event sponsors, proudly awarded six veterans attending UTRGV with $1,000 scholarships. This meaningful initiative reflects the event’s commitment to supporting and honoring those who have served their country.
Texas Cook’Em: High Steaks In Edinburg is an extraordinary production brought to you by the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau. For more information please call 956-383-4974 or visit www.edinburg.com
