The outdoor pavilion at Capitol Market was filled with the aroma of simmering peppers and spices on March 14 as the annual Green Chili Shootout brought together chili lovers, professional cooks and backyard chefs for an afternoon of friendly competition. The event featured 24 total competitors — 19 professional chili cooks and 5 amateur teams — all vying for top honors while serving up samples to a steady crowd of hungry tasters. The cookoff was sanctioned by the International Chili Society, meaning the professional division winner Gail Kyle earned a $1,000 prize and a coveted spot at the ICS World Championships. Second place Lynn Berkebile took home $500 and third place Austin Lynch received $250. Guests purchased tasting tickets that granted them unlimited samples from both divisions, allowing visitors to stroll through the pavilion tasting a wide range of styles — from traditional green chili recipes to creative interpretations with bold spices and hearty textures. Each attendee also received a coin to cast a vote for their favorite chili, determining the People’s Choice winner, Mike Hill, who earned a $250 prize. The Best Booth award, judged on presentation and creativity, earned its winner Diane Lentz a $100 Capitol Market gift card. Amateur cooks included:

- Kanawha Valley Trail Alliance, which had amazing pickled radishes and other fresh ingredients to put on top
- Mountaineer Food Bank, which supplied a jalapeno cornbread muffin and a sour cream sauce
- Kanawha County Democratic Women, who brought three types: regular, vegan and white chicken
- Edgewood Summit, which brought their head chef down
- Pioneer Appalachian Federal Credit Union, which added cheese, sour cream and a tortilla chip Competition began early in the morning as cooks arrived at 10 a.m. to set up their stations and begin prepping their chili. Sampling opened to the public at noon, with official judging starting shortly after at 12:30 p.m. By 4 p.m., tasting wrapped up and votes were counted before winners were announced to the crowd. But the day didn’t stop with chili. Immediately following the awards ceremony, the pavilion transformed into a wrestling ring for Market Mayhem presented by Regatta Pro Wrestling. From 4 to 6 p.m., fans gathered around the ring for an energetic lineup of matches that added a fun and unexpected twist to the food-focused event. Plus, there were Girl Scout cookies, the WV Pickle Guy, Sarah's Bakery and Gritt's Farm.