WBCA Media Jalapeno Contest Challenge

Seventeen brave competitors went head-to-head in the WBCA Media and Local Celebrity Jalapeño Eating Challenge on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at the Sames Auto Arena, delivering an intense five-minute showdown that gave audiences a fiery preview of the season ahead. Sponsored by TROIS Enterprises, Inc. and ACME Employment Inc., the challenge followed one simple but brutal rule: eat the entire jalapeño, leaving only the stem behind. Natanaehl Barrientos of Z93 claimed the Grand Champion title with an impressive 34 jalapeños, followed closely by Alejandro Melchor “El Brodita” in second place with 30, and Christian Del Rio of KGNS taking third with 23. The competitive rivalry between Barrientos and Melchor proved once again that when one does not take first place, the other is never far behind. Fans can catch the heat again when the Jalapeño Eating Contest returns on Saturday, February 7, during the Jalapeño Festival, sponsored by La Costeña, at the Sames Auto Arena Parking Lot, with competitor applications and festival tickets available at jalapenofestival.org or in person at the Sames Auto Arena Box Office.