Final Table: Bentonville - - Meet Hassan Naja, World Burger Champion

Share:

Posted Mar 10, 2025

Final Table: Bentonville - - Meet Hassan Naja, World Burger Champion

Name: Hassan Naja
2024 World Burger Champion

Hometown: Lebanon
Currently Resides: Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Social Media:
Instagram: @hassannaja and @flavorfulearth

Designation: Home Cook

Q: Tell us about your culinary journey. Who or what inspired you to cook?
A: I guess my grandma and mom are both my real inspiration to go into the kitchen! I have learned from them the ways, but more importantly the passion and love to cook for all my loved ones! This desire escalated quickly, where I barbecue a lot and use meat in the most versatile ways possible! From burgers into meat bombs :) I love the kitchen, I love the grill, I love to cook and entertain!

Q: How long have you been cooking?
A: 20 years

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

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

Q: What motivated you to get into Food Sport?
A: Honestly? I live for the thrill of it. The heat of the kitchen, the countdown clock, the creative chaos—it’s like an extreme sport, but with way better rewards (because, well… food). I got into Food Sport because I love pushing boundaries, challenging myself, and seeing just how far I can take a dish under pressure. Plus, there's nothing like that moment when a judge takes a bite and their eyes light up. It’s addictive. Food has always been my way of telling stories and bringing people together; competing just takes that to the next level. Also, let’s be real—who wouldn’t want the chance to call their burger the best in the world?

Q: How would you describe your experience in Indianapolis at WFC 2024 and being named a Champion?
A: Indianapolis at WFC 2024 was an absolute whirlwind—in the best way possible. The energy, the competition, the insane level of talent in that room… it was like stepping into a culinary battlefield where every dish had to be next level. And to walk away as a Champion? Unreal.

The moment they called my name, it was this mix of pure adrenaline, disbelief, and just sheer joy. Months of hard work, testing, tweaking, and obsessing over every little detail had all led to that moment. But beyond the win, what really stood out was the camaraderie. The Food Sport community is something special—chefs pushing each other to be better, learning from each other, and sharing a love for the craft.

WFC wasn’t just about a title; it was a reminder of why I do this. The passion, the creativity, the challenge of making something unforgettable—that’s what drives me. And now, with The Final Table ahead, the journey is only getting more exciting!

Q: What is your favorite WFC memory/experience as a competitor?
A: WINNING and THE CHEERS :) Certainly making lots of friends!

Q: What would a Final Table victory mean to you? Any ideas on how you would spend/invest your winnings?
A: Winning The Final Table would be the ultimate ‘pinch-me’ moment. It’s not just about the title—it would be proof that hard work, passion, and a love for food can truly lead to something extraordinary. It would be a celebration of everyone who supported me, the flavors that inspired me, and the journey that got me here. Plus, let’s be honest, it would be pretty cool to say I’m the best chef in the world!

As for the winnings, I’d love to reinvest in my dream of taking “One More” to the next level. I’d put some of it into expanding our flagship restaurant, experimenting with new menu concepts, or even creating a pop-up series that brings our burgers and flavors to more people around the world. And of course, I’d treat my incredible team who’ve been with me through this wild ride—we’d definitely have a celebration worthy of the win!

Q: Any advice for folks considering entering the WFC Kitchen Arena in the future?
A: Thinking about jumping into the Kitchen Arena? Do it! But be ready—it’s intense, fast, and absolutely wild.

🔥 Master your dish. No time for guesswork.
⏳ Time flies. If it’s not on the plate, it doesn’t count.
👊 Stay cool. Things will go wrong—roll with it.
🍽 Taste everything. No second chances.
🤝 Have fun! The competition is fierce, but the Food Sport family is amazing.

It’s a crazy ride, but trust me, you’ll love every second of it!

Q: Tell us an interesting fact that few people know about you:
A: Before I became obsessed with crafting the perfect burger, I spent over 20 years in the FMCG world, figuring out what makes consumers tick. Basically, I went from selling products to making people crave them!

And before that? I was all about sports. The competitive mindset, the discipline, the ‘never back down’ attitude—it all stuck with me. Now, instead of chasing goals on the field, I’m chasing flavor perfection in the kitchen. Funny how life works, right?

« Back to News

Final Table: Bentonville - - Meet Hassan Naja, World Burger Champion

© 2025 World Food Championships. All rights reserved. The World Food Championships is a production of WFC Holdings, Inc.