Congratulations to the 2026 CBC Salsa Challenge Winners!

Monday

Main photo — TL: Leandro Heien, Mariposa Cox, Coen Eiklenborg
BL: Olivia Mendoza, Phani Nekkalapudi, Itzel Íñiguez, Jen Garcia, Valerie McClure, Kyle McGinnis

Congratulations to this year’s CBC Salsa Winners!

Hot and Spicy

1^st Place - Olivia Mendoza – Ataraxia

2^nd Place- Kyle McGinnis – Curious Chiltepin

3^rd Place – Leandro Heien – Avogadro’s Nuclear – Spicy Mole

Mild/Medium Traditional

1^st Place – Mariposa Cox – For the Cilantro Haters

2^nd Place – Itzel Íñiguez – Ouchie It’s Hot

3^rd Place – Jen Garcia – Gringita’s Response

Original/Creative

1^st Place – Stephanie Retrum – Mimi’s Specialty

2^nd Place – Valerie McClure – Salsa de Mango

3^rd Place – Coen Eiklenborg – Yummy Salsa

People’s Choice

1^st Place - Phani Nekkalapudi – 1^st Timer

2^nd Place - Valerie McClure – Salsa de Mango

3^rd Place - M. Leandro Heien – Avogadro’s Delicious Mole

Thanks to all the Salsa Chefs who entered the Challenge, you are all winners!

Jennifer Autz, Zachary Bachler, Evelyn Cheung, Amy Graham, Lillian Martinez, Alexis Montoya, Melanie Perez,, Alanah Soto, Lauren Thaller, Raini Wijeweera

Also thank you to all the judges, and those that assisted in making this event successful!