Final Table: Bentonville - - Meet Emily Bench, World Dessert Champion

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Posted Mar 9, 2025

Final Table: Bentonville - - Meet Emily Bench, World Dessert Champion

Name: Emily Bench
2024 World Dessert Champion

Hometown: Carrolton, Ohio
Currently Resides: Hot Springs Village, Arkansas

Social Media:
Instagram (Team): @pigginwhiskey

Designation: Professional Chef

Q: Tell us about your culinary journey. Who or what inspired you to cook?
A: My culinary journey started when I was 8 years old learning to cook for a large family. Throughout my teen years I cooked at summer camps and eventually moved onto nannying and private cheffing. After that, I started cooking for a fine dining restaurant in my hometown. My early 20's was a pivotal point in my culinary journey as I started to define my cooking style which is "elevated comfort food". I loved using the comfort food from my youth and adding my own magic to the recipes. Growing up I was inspired by the different cooking shows on PBS, especially America's Test Kitchen and Chef Lidia Bastianich. All of this has led me to where I am today as a Kitchen Manager and Pastry Chef at one of the premier restaurants in Hot Springs, Arkansas.

Q: How long have you been cooking?
A: 25 years

Q: How many times have you competed at WFC?
A: First time

Q: What categories have you competed in at WFC?
A: Dessert

Q: What motivated you to get into Food Sport?
A: I started helping a friend with his BBQ competitions and discovered that I enjoyed the competitive aspect as well as the opportunity to perfect various dishes with each competition.
I began submitting my desserts in these competitions and consistently placed in the top 10. When I placed 3rd out of over 60 entries at the Jack Daniel's World Championship, that's when I realized my love for competitive Food Sport had taken root. I love the ability to be creative, the reward for such efforts, and the opportunity to share my love for cooking on a bigger stage.

Q: How would you describe your experience in Indianapolis at WFC 2024 and being named a Champion?
A: Exciting. Overwhelming. Intimidating. Yet (I was) very confident in my team's ability to rise to the challenge. This competition forced me to move beyond my comfort zone. It taught me how to stay calm under pressure at a level I have never experienced before. Being named Champion was a surreal moment! Holding the Championship award made me realize how grateful I was for my team, grateful for the opportunity to compete at such a high level, and the pure joy and excitement of that moment.

Q: What is your favorite WFC memory/experience as a competitor?
A: Winning, of course! In this competition every second matters. The craziest moment was when my oven door would not open for a full five minutes, which feels like an eternity. The Cheferees had to come over and troubleshoot to get us back on track. That moment made me realize that despite the obstacles and challenges we faced, not to give up and persevere.

Q: What would a Final Table victory mean to you? Any ideas on how you would spend/invest your winnings?
A: A Final Table victory would validate and celebrate the many years of hard work, service to others, and ultimately the joy that sharing a good meal with others brings. First, I would share part of it with my teammates as I couldn't do this without their help. Secondly, I would go on my dream vacation to Italy. Lastly, it will allow me to continue to compete in Food Sport.

Q: Any advice for folks considering entering the WFC Kitchen Arena in the future?
A: Don't let it intimidate you. Whatever challenges are thrown your way, you can overcome them. Go with what you know.

Q: Tell us an interesting fact that few people know about you:
A: I was homeschooled from 2nd grade through high school.

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Final Table: Bentonville - - Meet Emily Bench, World Dessert Champion

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