LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The Kentucky Derby Festival's 14th 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 4 after more than 55,000 votes from beef lovers.
- Jeny Fernandez, Louisville, KY - Cañonero II
- Ira Mowman, Louisville, KY - Smoke Show Slaw Cheeseburger
- Jason Thrasher, Columbia, KY - The Goober Burger
- Greg Yopp, La Grange, KY - The Jerk
These 4 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 2026 Derby Burger Challenge winner will receive:
- A 2026 Kentucky Derby Festival Official Poster
- Two VIP tickets to the Thunder Over Louisville VIP Rooftop Party
- Two VIP tickets to Republic Bank BourbonVille
- $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
- 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.
Greg Yopp from La Grange became the 2026 Derby Burger Champion with The Jerk Burger.
Click here to see past winning Derby Burger recipes.
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