California Wild Ales Is Taking a Victory Lap at the Ocean Beach Chili Cook-Off
After three straight years of standing on top of the podium, we’ve made a decision that surprised a lot of people:
California Wild Ales is taking a few years off from competing in the Ocean Beach Chili Cook-Off.
Before anyone starts rumors—no, Monica didn’t forget the recipe.
We’re simply stepping aside to give the rest of Ocean Beach a fighting chance.
A Run We’ll Never Forget
The Ocean Beach Chili Cook-Off isn’t just another event on the calendar. It’s one of the signature traditions of the Ocean Beach Street Fair, bringing together thousands of locals every summer to sample chili, vote for their favorites, and celebrate one of the best neighborhoods in San Diego. The competition has become one of the highlights of the annual festival, with People’s Choice awards determined by the community and Judges Awards recognizing culinary excellence.
For us, it became something even more special.
2022: The Lesson
Our first serious run ended with a People’s Choice Bronze Medal.
Not because the chili wasn’t good.
Because we simply didn’t make enough.
By early afternoon, we were completely sold out.
As it turns out, if people can’t taste your chili… they can’t vote for it.
Lesson learned.
2023: Redemption
The next year we came back with more chili, more preparation, and one goal:
Win.
Mission accomplished.
People’s Choice Gold.
2024: The Double
If winning once was special, 2024 was unforgettable.
California Wild Ales took home:
- 🥇 People’s Choice Gold
- 🥈 Judges Award – Second Place
It was one of those rare days where everything came together—the recipe, the volunteers, our friends who stopped by to vote, and the incredible Ocean Beach community that has supported us since day one.
2025: The Three-Peat
Championship teams don’t happen by accident.
In 2025, Monica DeWitt and the California Wild Ales crew brought home People’s Choice Gold for the third consecutive year, completing one of the greatest runs in Ocean Beach Chili Cook-Off history.
Three straight People’s Choice Championships.
That’s when we realized it might be time to let someone else have a shot at the trophy.
Monica DeWitt: The Michael Jordan of Ocean Beach Chili
Every great dynasty has its superstar.
The Bulls had Michael Jordan.
The Patriots had Tom Brady.
Ocean Beach has Monica DeWitt.
When it comes to chili, Monica has built a résumé that’s hard to argue with. Her preparation starts weeks before the event. Every ingredient matters. Every batch gets attention. Every detail is obsessed over.
The results speak for themselves.
Three straight People’s Choice victories for California Wild Ales after learning the hard lesson of 2022.
That’s a dynasty.
She’s Not Retiring…
She’s just taking a break.
Think of it as Michael Jordan leaving basketball to play baseball.
Monica is taking a few years off from the Chili Cook-Off to pursue her lifelong dream of becoming the starting outfielder for the Chicago White Sox.
Will she make the Opening Day roster?
Probably not.
Will Ocean Beach believe it anyway?
Hopefully.
One thing is certain:
She’ll be back.
It’s Time for Someone Else to Hold the Trophy
Part of what makes the Ocean Beach Chili Cook-Off so special is seeing neighbors, restaurants, local businesses, and first-time competitors all bring their best recipes to Veterans Plaza.
This year we’re excited to walk around, taste everyone’s creations, cheer on our friends, and enjoy the event from the other side of the tasting table.
Who knows?
Maybe a new chili legend will emerge.
Maybe someone will start their own championship run.
Maybe they’ll even keep the trophy warm for Monica.
Thank You, Ocean Beach
The trophies are incredible.
But what we’ll remember most are the conversations, the laughs, the volunteers, the friendly rivalries, and seeing thousands of people come together for one of Ocean Beach’s greatest traditions.
Thank you to the Ocean Beach MainStreet Association, the volunteers who make the event happen every year, every person who stood in line to taste our chili, and everyone who’s cheered us on over the years.
We’ll be there this year.
Just without the crock pots.
See you at the Chili Cook-Off.
For further information about the event and to stay updated on this exciting release, please visit the OB Mainstreet Association Website or follow us on social media.
