TUCSON, AZ, June 24, 2025 — The culinary showdown of the year returns! The 17th Annual Iron Chef Tucson competition is set for Saturday, July 26, 2025, at the Desert Diamond Casino Diamond Center in Sahuarita. This year's event features a thrilling face-off between reigning Iron Chef Anthony Dromgoole of Obon Sushi & Ramen and 2025's challenger, Chef McKenzie O’Leary of Tanque Verde Ranch.
Chef Dromgoole, who claimed the title in 2024, is back to defend his crown. Challenger Chef McKenzie O’Leary earned her spot by winning the 'Meet the Chefs' preliminary competition held on May 18, 2025.
The event kicks off with the exclusive Culinary Experience from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM, where attendees can indulge in food and drink sampling, witness cooking demonstrations, participate in classes, and more.
The Iron Chef Competition begins at 5:00 PM and continues until 8:00 PM. Audience members will watch as these two culinary giants go head-to-head in a battle of creativity,
skill, and speed, using a mystery basket of ingredients to create gourmet dishes judged live by a panel.
*Please note that this is a 21 and older event *
Event Details:
Date: Saturday, July 26, 2025
Location: Desert Diamond Casino- Diamon Center, Sahaurita, AZ
Culinary Experience: 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Iron Chef Competition: 5:00 pm- - 8:00pm
Tickets: Reserved seating starts at $60
Don't miss out on this epic culinary showdown! Secure your tickets now and prepare to be amazed by the talents of Tucson's top chefs.
For more information on all things Iron Chef Tucson and to purchase tickets, please visit www.ironcheftucson.com.
If you are interested in being a vendor at the Culinary Experience, please contact Dee Anne Thomas at dthomas@azlotus.com.
All Iron Chef Tucson events are exclusively 21 years and older to attend.
*TO SCHEDULE CHEF INTERVIEWS AND/OR REQUEST A MEDIA PASS FOR THE EVENT, PLEASE
CONTACT SUMMER JOHNSTON sjohnston@azlotus.com
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