SCA Makes Its California Debut: Lake Tahoe Community College to Host First Official Steak Cookoff Association Event in the Golden State
Tahoe Chamber | April 10, 2025 | Community News
The pristine alpine setting of Lake Tahoe will soon be filled with the mouthwatering aroma of perfectly seared steaks as Lake Tahoe Community College (LTCC) prepares to host California’s first-ever official Steak Cookoff Association (SCA) event on June 6-7, 2025.
This landmark culinary competition marks the SCA’s long-awaited expansion into California, bringing competitive steak cooking to the Golden State and offering locals and visitors alike a chance to experience the thriving world of professional steak cookoffs.
What to Expect
Competitors from across the western United States are expected to converge at Lake Tahoe Community College’s spacious campus, transforming it into a haven for cookoff enthusiasts. The two-day event will feature both amateur and professional divisions, with participants vying for substantial cash prizes and, most importantly, official SCA points that count toward qualification for the World Championship.
“We’re thrilled to finally bring an SCA-sanctioned event to California,” says the event’s coordinator, Virat Vij, Director of Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management Program at LTCC. “The demand for competitive cooking events has been growing steadily in the state, and we believe Lake Tahoe offers the perfect backdrop for the inaugural California competition.”
More Than Just Steak
While perfectly cooked pork will certainly be the star of the show, attendees can look forward to a full menu of:
- Steak A
- Steak B
- Chicken Wings
- Pork Ribs
- Appetizer (Vegan/Vegetarian options encouraged)
- Entrants will receive two steaks per category on the day of the event. Entry fees, prizes, and additional details are outlined in the attached flyer.
- Notably, the winner of the steak category will advance to a $10,000 competition in Texas, with a chance to qualify for the World Food Championships and a $100,000 grand prize.
Community Impact
Lake Tahoe Community College’s decision to host the event aligns with its ongoing commitment to community engagement and supporting the local economy. The June timing is strategically positioned to help kick off the summer tourism season in the Tahoe Basin.
“Events like this showcase this beautiful campus while bringing visitors to our region during a key tourism transition period,” notes Cristi Creegan, CEO of the Tahoe Chamber. “We’re particularly excited about the educational component, as it aligns with LTCC’s culinary arts program and offers students unique networking opportunities with industry professionals.”
How to Participate
For those interested in competing, registration is open through the official SCA website at https://steakcookoffs.com/event-6140416/Registration.
Spectator tickets will be available for purchase, with special packages that include tasting opportunities and VIP access to demonstrations and judging areas.
Mark your calendars for June 6-7, 2025, and prepare for a sizzling weekend at Lake Tahoe Community College as California finally joins the ranks of states hosting official SCA competitions.