It just takes perseverance. Eric Brown and Matt Alexander have been chasing down that first-place finish in the annual Minden St. Jude Chili Cook-Off for who knows how many years. This past weekend, the team of “Chili Man, Chili Man” put all the right ingredients into the pot and captured First Place Overall for 2025.

And their efforts helped raise more money than ever before for the chili competition, according to chairman Randy Stevenson. The cook-off for St. Jude took in a total of $14,139, a whopping $4,000 more than last year.

The team of “Chili of the Aegis,” led by Brian Martin and Brock Davidson, took the “Peoples’ Choice trophy.

“Best in Show” went to “Cast Iron Chili” makers Clay and Hunter Dixon.

Overall team finishers were Rick Whitehead with Team Pratt, “Recycled Chili,” second; Stewart Burson and Richard Gray, “Dixie Overland Construction,” third; “La Flama Blanca,” fourth, and “Fat Bottom Chili,” fifth.

A large crowd took advantage of the beautiful weather to visit with the 34 chili-making teams outside of the Minden Civic Center, while listening to the sounds of two well-known bands, Ben Abshire and “Mojo” and the “Beaux Adkins Band.” Tasting cups were sold for $5.