„"The Big Hot Bite": let's set a world record together!
September 12, 2026
Here is the program of Sofia Chilli Fest 2026! 🌶️
October 1, 2026The three-time League of Fire world champion will defend his title against Bulgarian champion Nikolay Filipov at Sofia Chilli Fest 2026.
World chili pepper eating champion Stephen Kurgan, known as "Fiery Redd," has set a new Guinness World Record for the fastest time to eat 50 Ghost Peppers (Bhut Jolokia). The American managed to eat all 50 peppers in under five minutes during the Wabash Valley Pepper Fest and Hot Sauce Expo in Indiana.
The previous record was 14 minutes and 37 seconds and was set by Canadian Mike Jack in August 2025. Kurgan not only improved the achievement, but also lowered it by nearly ten minutes.
„"I knew I was going to break 14 minutes and 37 seconds. But to do it in under five minutes is amazing," Kurgan said after the attempt. He said his original goal was to cut the previous record in half, but he ended up achieving a result that was almost three times faster.
This is the first official Guinness World Record for Kurgan, who already has three League of Fire world titles and has been competing around the world for more than two years.
From a new world record to the world title
After his record-breaking performance in the USA, Kurgan heads to Bulgaria. October 3 he will be a special guest on Sofia Chilli Festival 2026, where he will defend his League of Fire world title.
The American's opponent will be the Bulgarian champion Nikolay Filipov. The two will face each other in a League of Fire world duel in front of the audience at the festival in the village of Lozen.
Nikolai "„Papaworm“" Filipov is twofold champion for the Sofia belt of League of Fire, winner of the title in 2024 and 2025. In 2026, he represented Bulgaria in the international battles of League of Fire, including in the competition for Intercontinental Title Belt in Rieti, Italy. Filipov also holds the world record for fastest time to eat 25 Carolina Reaper peppers, set in 2025.
The World Finals in Bulgaria will be the culmination of the 2026 League of Fire international season.
Before the grand finale — another record attempt
The World Battle will not be the only historic moment on the Sofia Chilli Fest program. Before the League of Fire final on October 3, there will be „"The Big Hot Bite"“ — record attempt for most people biting into a chili pepper at the same time.
Participants will be given a fresh chili pepper and, upon a signal from the stage, will have to bite into it simultaneously. In order for the record to be officially registered, the attempt will be organized and documented according to League of Fire requirements.
Sofia Chilli Festival collects spicy food from Bulgaria and the world
Sofia Chilli Fest 2026 will be held on October 3 and 4 at the farm of Chilli Hills in the village of Lozen, about 20 minutes from the center of Sofia.
The third edition of the festival will bring together spicy food producers, farmers, international competitors and spicy food fans. The program includes the final of League of Fire, "The Big Hot Bite", Chilli Market, street food, music, demonstrations, workshops, activities for children, tours of the farm and the Hot Pepper Museum.
This year, two events are being added to the already traditional festival program, which promise to turn October 3rd into one of the most exciting days on the calendar: a world record attempt with thousands of participants and a battle for the world title between Stephen "Fiery" Redd" Kurgan and Nikolay Filipov.
This year's edition of Sofia Chilli Fest is supported by Olympus, Philips, Biroterapia and myPOS, and tickets are now on sale.
Don't miss:
League of Fire World Title Belt Match
Stephen “Fiery Redd” Curgan 🇺🇸
vs.
Nikolay “Papaworm” Filipov 🇧🇬
Sofia Chilli Festival 2026
📅 October 3–4, 2026.
📍 Chilli Hills Farm, Lozen village
Follow Sofia Chilli Fest and Chilli Hills for all news, participants and upcoming announcements.
Official website Sofia Chilli Fest 2026
Bulgarian