Louisville man named 2025 Derby Burger Champion

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A Louisville man was named the 2025 Derby Burger Champion on Monday, the Kentucky Derby Festival announced.

Ira Mowman Kentucky Fiesta Cheese Burger.jpeg — Ira Mowman was named the 2025 Derby Burger Champion. (*Photo courtesy of Kentucky Derby Festival*)

Ira Mowman won the title in his third year of entering the competition. He was a finalist the last two years. His burger includes Kentucky Cattlemen's Ground Beef, pico, avocado spread, chihuahua cheese, romaine blend, Dan-O's chipotle seasoning, rosemary and sea salt.

Mowan said his 18-year-old daughter inspired the winning recipe.

"She is my heart ... she takes after me and loves to cook herself," Mowman said in a news release Monday. "For this year's burger, she gave me ideas and encouraged me to think outside the box. I tried not to do your regular burger. I wanted to do something different."

KDF said there were more than 13,000 online votes for the competition. The other finalists were Steve Rossell, of Louisville, Bette Niemi, of Louisville, and Greg Yopp, of La Grange.

A panel of judges chose the Derby Burger Champion based on taste, appearance, creativity and ease of preparation.

The 2025 Derby Burger Challenge winner received:

A 2025 Kentucky Derby Festival Official Poster
$100 gift certificate to Kroger
A grilling prize pack including a grill from the Kentucky Beef Council
A prize package from Dan-O's Seasoning
80 Acres Farms Swag Pack
Recipe featured on Kentucky Derby Festival and Kentucky Beef Council websites, social media channels
Recipe featured inside Louisville-area Kroger stores (including recipe ingredients) and featured on the menu at Kroger's Fest-a-Ville on the Waterfront

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