Contestants compete for the title of Kentucky Derby Festival Derby Burger Champion

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The Kentucky Derby Festival's 13th annual Derby Burger Challenge came down to the cook-off.

WDRB's Keith Kaiser hosted the competition again this year in search of a champion.

Dozens of recipes have been narrowed down to four after more than 13,000 votes from beef lovers.

Ira Mowman Louisville, KY, Kentucky Fiesta Cheese Burger
- (3rd back-to-back year participating)
Steve Rossell, Louisville, KY, The Cowboy
Bette Niemi, Louisville, KY, Perfect Peppery Prosciutto Burger
Greg Yopp, La Grange, KY, Brielicious Burger

These four finalists created their Derby Burgers live on WDRB Mornings at Kroger Middletown.

The Derby Burger Challenge has been a great way for the Bluegrass to express their love for a great burger through innovative burger recipes.

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

Derby Burger Challenge finalists and the winner walked away with some great prizes.

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

Ira Mowman from Louisville became the 2025 Derby Burger Champion with his Kentucky Fiesta Cheeseburger.

This was his 3rd year competing in the finals.