FROM CHILI TO CHAMPIONS: 2026 WINNERS & RECAP

The Williston API is known for its strong commitment to community, brought to life through our annual fundraising events. Proceeds support local organizations and programs, fueling growth across the region—and we remain incredibly grateful for the continued generosity of the oil, gas, and energy companies in the Bakken. This year’s event surpassed our goals in every aspect, driven by the dedication of our teams. Each team plays a critical role by securing sponsors, building out their booths, and creating engaging experiences for attendees.

Fundraising efforts begin well before the doors open, with teams raising over $67,560 leading up to the event. The Most Valuable Team (MVT) award recognizes the team that contributes the most during this pre-event fundraising period.

During the event itself, the energy continues as teams compete for the Bakken Bread Winner title, awarded to the team that raises the most funds throughout the day. Together, teams generated over $20,876 during the event, showcasing the high level of interaction, engagement, and community spirit that defines the Chili Cook-Off.

We welcomed 21 Chili Teams, over 85 Sponsors, and over 1575 attendees resulting in over $90,000 raised!

Money raised in 2025 supported Adult & Teen Challenge,  Boy Scouts of America, Bras for a cause, CHI Foundation, Coyote Clay Target League, Curling Club, Dakota Boys & Girls Ranch, Dickinson API, Eckert Youth Homes, Family Crisis Shelter, Fire & Iron MC, Fort Union Assoc., Garden of Healing Park, Giving trees, Giving Hearts Day, James Memorial Art Center, Josh Otteson Memorial, Kids Day Out Foundation, Korner Lions, Lewis & Clark State Park, Make A Wish Grantor, Marketplace for Kids, Military Affairs, Miss ND Scholarship Organization, ND Adult & Teen Challenge, ND Association Of Drug Court, ND Law Enforcement Canine Assoc., ND Petroleum Council, ND Safety Council, Opportunity Foundation, Ramsey media, Salvation Army, Special Olympics, Spring Lake Nature Center, Square Your Actions, Studio 89, UMM Spring Brook, UMVF, Upper Missouri Relay for Life, WCFMS, WDFMS magic Show, Western Region Economic Development, Western Star Foundation, WHS, WHS Close Up, WHS Rodeo Club, Williston Air Show, Williston Boys Baseball, Williston Chamber of Commerce, Williston CVB, Williston Drill Team, Williston Hockey, Williston Lions Club, Williston Rotary Club, Williston Wonders, WMS - Student Council, WMS -TSA, WPA - Spooky Speedway, WPRD - Club Campus, WSC Athletics & many more!   

We extend our sincere gratitude to all teams, judges, and sponsors for their invaluable support. Special recognition is given to the following contributors: Busters Bar, DJ JayKayCee, Flannel, Ramond Wetch, Short Bus, Studio 89, Coyote Clay Target, Coyote Clay Target, IESS, Control Tech, Local Tilt LLC - Jeff Nelson, Raymond Center, One Stop Trailerz, Williston FD, Williston PD, Fire & Iron MC, & Off the Hook Digital Solutions.

Sincerely,

Williston API Board: President Kerri Espeland (Tallgrass Energy), Vice President Holand Neubauer (Nova Oilfield Services), Treasurer Brandi Gustafson (Kraken Resource), and Secretary Tera Decker. The Board Members are Bones deLaunay (Nextier Oilfield Services), Shawn Stogner (Chord Energy), Bobby Purdy (Creedence Energy Services), Chris Keiper (Tally Energy), Mike Conlin (WellPro Inc.), Rob Johner (Therma Core Mfg.), and Tyler Lightbourne (Busy Bees Hot Oil LLC).

2026 CHILI WINNERS

1ST PLACE: Control Tech

2ND PLACE: Ask Transportation

3RD PLACE: Wisco

4TH PLACE: Creedence Energy

5TH PLACE: Busy Bee's Hot Oil

6TH PLACE: MMR Constructors, Inc.

CROWD INTERACTION: Chord Energy

PEOPLE'S CHOICE

CHILI FAN FAVORITE: Walt's Market

BOOTH: MMR Constructors, Inc.

 

FUNDRAISING AWARDS

MVT: Devon Energy

BAKKEN BREAD WINNER: Devon Energy

 

CHILI GAMES

1ST PLACE: Walt's Market

2ND PLACE: Creedence Energy

RAFFLE WINNERS

$1,000 - Dylan Lehman

$750 - Jamie Wolfe

$750 - Meghan Birkner

$500 - Edwin Castiblanco

$500 - Rex Mandel

$500 - Calab Sanders

$250 - Bismark Dwamenah

$250 - Sam Schulte

$250 - Ethan Brown

$250 - Dylan Lehman

50/50 Winner $ 2,440 - Joely Picard