Behind the Blaze with Jayson "Late For Work" Pettibone - The Founder of Blaze for the Brave!
Sunday September 13, 2026
For someone who has never been to Blaze for the Brave before, how would you describe the event and what makes it
different from other fall festivals?
To keep it simple… It is nothing but excitement from start to finish.
I don’t know any other festivals near that do what we do. We gather small local businesses that bring originality. From hand crafted hiking sticks, to handmade candles, into unique hot sauces from maple flavored buffalo sauce by Purple Tongue hot sauce to a sweet dessert hot sauce made with peaches and a touch of vanilla by 9rings hot sauce. We also have Antietam Dairy that makes a special spicy ice cream for us for the second year! It was a huge hit last year and can not wait to see it sell out this year. Beyond the unique vendors we have, throw in the professional pepper eaters from League of Fire that blow your mind when you see them compete. It’s like when you were a kid and you watched the show jackass, you know what the outcome of what they do will be, but you can’t stop watching it. And in between that we have incredible music from local bands and even some from a bit away! Super talented up and coming bands that we just want to support! We also throw in competitions for the public to join! Wing eating, spicy beer chugging and kids pie eating. It’s a mix of family fun, exciting competitions, great music and supporting your local businesses, bands and first responders. You just don’t see all of this in one place, ever.
What can attendees expect to see, taste, and experience at Blaze for the Brave this year?
They’re going to have nothing short of a thrilling weekend. The music is going to be incredible, the competitions are going to be intense, the food will blow your mind and by the end of it you’ll be asking for the dates next year.
The event has grown and evolved a lot since last year! What changes are you most excited about for Blaze 2026?
I’m VERY excited about the venue! We went from a beautiful venue at The Barn Resort to s whole new venue at Granite Hill Camping Resort. I was restricted a lot in 2026 and at this venue I have a bit more freedom to bring more of what the people want. Last year the big problem was variety of food and this year I was able to bring the variety! Form Sushi, to BBQ to spicy lemonade. It’s going to be fantastic! Our great friends over at Gettysburg Bike Week support what I do so much, they asked if they could have their Battle of the Bands at Blaze for the Brave and I couldn’t have been happier to say yes. How cool is that? What a wide range of competitions at Blaze for the Brave this year. Music, pepper eating, wing eating, pie eating, beer chugging, cornhole and sauce competitions; all in one weekend.
Blaze for the Brave benefits the Arendtsville Fire Department. Why was supporting our local firefighters such an important part of putting on this event?
First responders in general don’t get enough recognition and support for what they do. If you aren’t related to one then it seems no one really thinks about them until they personally need them. Arendtsville Fire Department helps support all the bigger surrounding departments and deserves some praise and support. That’s what I’m trying to do.
What is one thing you’re especially excited about for this year’s festival that you think attendees absolutely shouldn’t miss?
Man, how do I pick just one? This is full of everything I love personally. Music, competition, good food and great camaraderie. But… I’ll pick something, DO NOT MISS Major Moments show! There’s something special planned (that will not be announced) during their set.
If you could convince someone who is on the fence about coming to Blaze for the Brave to join you for one day, what would you tell them?
Just jump in and see what it’s all about. We’re all super inviting. Come make some new friends and cheer on some local competitors. This is what you are missing in your life; believe it or not.
Sunday September 13, 2026
For someone who has never been to Blaze for the Brave before, how would you describe the event and what makes it
different from other fall festivals?
To keep it simple… It is nothing but excitement from start to finish.
I don’t know any other festivals near that do what we do. We gather small local businesses that bring originality. From hand crafted hiking sticks, to handmade candles, into unique hot sauces from maple flavored buffalo sauce by Purple Tongue hot sauce to a sweet dessert hot sauce made with peaches and a touch of vanilla by 9rings hot sauce. We also have Antietam Dairy that makes a special spicy ice cream for us for the second year! It was a huge hit last year and can not wait to see it sell out this year. Beyond the unique vendors we have, throw in the professional pepper eaters from League of Fire that blow your mind when you see them compete. It’s like when you were a kid and you watched the show jackass, you know what the outcome of what they do will be, but you can’t stop watching it. And in between that we have incredible music from local bands and even some from a bit away! Super talented up and coming bands that we just want to support! We also throw in competitions for the public to join! Wing eating, spicy beer chugging and kids pie eating. It’s a mix of family fun, exciting competitions, great music and supporting your local businesses, bands and first responders. You just don’t see all of this in one place, ever.
What can attendees expect to see, taste, and experience at Blaze for the Brave this year?
They’re going to have nothing short of a thrilling weekend. The music is going to be incredible, the competitions are going to be intense, the food will blow your mind and by the end of it you’ll be asking for the dates next year.
The event has grown and evolved a lot since last year! What changes are you most excited about for Blaze 2026?
I’m VERY excited about the venue! We went from a beautiful venue at The Barn Resort to s whole new venue at Granite Hill Camping Resort. I was restricted a lot in 2026 and at this venue I have a bit more freedom to bring more of what the people want. Last year the big problem was variety of food and this year I was able to bring the variety! Form Sushi, to BBQ to spicy lemonade. It’s going to be fantastic! Our great friends over at Gettysburg Bike Week support what I do so much, they asked if they could have their Battle of the Bands at Blaze for the Brave and I couldn’t have been happier to say yes. How cool is that? What a wide range of competitions at Blaze for the Brave this year. Music, pepper eating, wing eating, pie eating, beer chugging, cornhole and sauce competitions; all in one weekend.
Blaze for the Brave benefits the Arendtsville Fire Department. Why was supporting our local firefighters such an important part of putting on this event?
First responders in general don’t get enough recognition and support for what they do. If you aren’t related to one then it seems no one really thinks about them until they personally need them. Arendtsville Fire Department helps support all the bigger surrounding departments and deserves some praise and support. That’s what I’m trying to do.
What is one thing you’re especially excited about for this year’s festival that you think attendees absolutely shouldn’t miss?
Man, how do I pick just one? This is full of everything I love personally. Music, competition, good food and great camaraderie. But… I’ll pick something, DO NOT MISS Major Moments show! There’s something special planned (that will not be announced) during their set.
If you could convince someone who is on the fence about coming to Blaze for the Brave to join you for one day, what would you tell them?
Just jump in and see what it’s all about. We’re all super inviting. Come make some new friends and cheer on some local competitors. This is what you are missing in your life; believe it or not.
Behind the Blaze with Heather "Lowlife Cycles" Airing - 2025 Attendee
Sunday September 6, 2026
Q: Hi Heather! Thanks so much for joining us in 2025 for Blaze for the Brave! What is something everyone should know about our event, based on your experience last year?
A: Blaze for the Brave is the perfect family friendly event for all ages. The bands are so much fun to listen to while the kiddos play and the contests are always incredible to watch because those people are crazy!!!!
Q: What are you looking forward to at Blaze for the Brave this year?
A:Looking forward to all the local hot sauce companies because we always try new flavors & come back for more!
Q: You had some kids participating in our pie eating contest last year! What was their favorite part of Blaze for the brave?
A: The kids absolutely loved the bouncy houses and meeting Bluey and Bingo during the event.
Q:What's the spiciest thing you've ever eaten? Did you enjoy it?
A: My other half has NO limit spicy so I have tried the hottest of the hot and yet I still go back and do it again, but it is NOT for me!!!
Q: Which band are you looking forward to the most at Blaze for the Brave this year?
A: I am looking forward to seeing Major Moment. They were so good at Gettysburg Bike Week!
Sunday September 6, 2026
Q: Hi Heather! Thanks so much for joining us in 2025 for Blaze for the Brave! What is something everyone should know about our event, based on your experience last year?
A: Blaze for the Brave is the perfect family friendly event for all ages. The bands are so much fun to listen to while the kiddos play and the contests are always incredible to watch because those people are crazy!!!!
Q: What are you looking forward to at Blaze for the Brave this year?
A:Looking forward to all the local hot sauce companies because we always try new flavors & come back for more!
Q: You had some kids participating in our pie eating contest last year! What was their favorite part of Blaze for the brave?
A: The kids absolutely loved the bouncy houses and meeting Bluey and Bingo during the event.
Q:What's the spiciest thing you've ever eaten? Did you enjoy it?
A: My other half has NO limit spicy so I have tried the hottest of the hot and yet I still go back and do it again, but it is NOT for me!!!
Q: Which band are you looking forward to the most at Blaze for the Brave this year?
A: I am looking forward to seeing Major Moment. They were so good at Gettysburg Bike Week!
Behind the Blaze with Mike of Arendtsville Community Fire Department
August 30th, 2026
What is your/your family's role at ACFC?
I am currently the EMS Captain. I am responsible for the equipment and responses for medical emergencies. We provide a quick response service to arrive and assist the patient before the medics arrive. My wife and my son are very active in helping out at fundraisers that we do.
Can you tell us a little bit about what ACFC does? Maybe what areas you serve, how many people volunteer at the department, something that makes ACFC unique.
The Arendtsville Community Fire Company was originally established in 1911 and has proudly served northwestern Adams County, Pennsylvania for more than 115 years. We are a 100% volunteer fire company with 32 active members who dedicate their personal time to protecting our community. Our members respond from their homes and places of employment whenever the call for help comes in. They willingly put their own time and safety on the line to respond to fires, rescues, medical emergencies and mutual aid requests throughout the area. What truly makes the ACFC special is the dedication of our members and the strong support we receive from the community we serve. The countless selfless hours our volunteers give each year have helped shape our department and allow us to continue a tradition of service that began in 1911. We are proud to carry that tradition forward and remain ready to answer the call whenever our neighbors need us.
We're excited to be fundraising for ACFC this year at Blaze for the Brave! What are some of the best ways people/organizations can support volunteer fire departments like ACFC?
One of the best ways to support volunteer fire departments like ACFC is though monetary donations to your local fire company. Every donation, large or small, helps cover the significant costs of day-to-day operations, including maintaining and equipping our apparatus, purchasing protective equipment, training our firefighters, and keeping our department ready to respond when our communities need us most.
Another great way to support volunteer fire departments is to attend and support the fundraisers we host throughout the year. Fundraising is a critical part of keeping volunteer fire departments operating, and the money raised helps us to continue providing fire, rescue and emergency medical services to our communities.
Most importantly, your support helps ensure that when someone calls 911, there are trained, properly equipped volunteers, ready to answer the call.
What is something people often don't know about volunteer fire departments, firefighting, or EMS?
One of the biggest things people often do not realize is that most volunteer fire departments are truly volunteer run organizations. Our firefighters and EMS providers have jobs, families, and responsibilities outside of the fire company, but they still make the commitment to leave work, get out of bed in the middle of the night, or walk away from their families to respond when someone in the community needs help.
People also may not realize how much it costs to keep a volunteer fire company operational. Fire apparatus, protective equipment, training, fuel, insurance, maintenance, and medical equipment are all extremely expensive. Much of that cost is covered through fund raising, donations, and community support.
When you see a volunteer firefighter responding to an emergency, you are seeing someone who has chosen to serve their neighbors, not because it is their job, but because they care about their community.
What is the spiciest thing you have ever eaten?
I was at a wine festival in Gettysburg and tried a salsa made with ghost peppers. It felt like my tongue was hit with a hammer! I have not eaten anything with ghost pepper since!
August 30th, 2026
What is your/your family's role at ACFC?
I am currently the EMS Captain. I am responsible for the equipment and responses for medical emergencies. We provide a quick response service to arrive and assist the patient before the medics arrive. My wife and my son are very active in helping out at fundraisers that we do.
Can you tell us a little bit about what ACFC does? Maybe what areas you serve, how many people volunteer at the department, something that makes ACFC unique.
The Arendtsville Community Fire Company was originally established in 1911 and has proudly served northwestern Adams County, Pennsylvania for more than 115 years. We are a 100% volunteer fire company with 32 active members who dedicate their personal time to protecting our community. Our members respond from their homes and places of employment whenever the call for help comes in. They willingly put their own time and safety on the line to respond to fires, rescues, medical emergencies and mutual aid requests throughout the area. What truly makes the ACFC special is the dedication of our members and the strong support we receive from the community we serve. The countless selfless hours our volunteers give each year have helped shape our department and allow us to continue a tradition of service that began in 1911. We are proud to carry that tradition forward and remain ready to answer the call whenever our neighbors need us.
We're excited to be fundraising for ACFC this year at Blaze for the Brave! What are some of the best ways people/organizations can support volunteer fire departments like ACFC?
One of the best ways to support volunteer fire departments like ACFC is though monetary donations to your local fire company. Every donation, large or small, helps cover the significant costs of day-to-day operations, including maintaining and equipping our apparatus, purchasing protective equipment, training our firefighters, and keeping our department ready to respond when our communities need us most.
Another great way to support volunteer fire departments is to attend and support the fundraisers we host throughout the year. Fundraising is a critical part of keeping volunteer fire departments operating, and the money raised helps us to continue providing fire, rescue and emergency medical services to our communities.
Most importantly, your support helps ensure that when someone calls 911, there are trained, properly equipped volunteers, ready to answer the call.
What is something people often don't know about volunteer fire departments, firefighting, or EMS?
One of the biggest things people often do not realize is that most volunteer fire departments are truly volunteer run organizations. Our firefighters and EMS providers have jobs, families, and responsibilities outside of the fire company, but they still make the commitment to leave work, get out of bed in the middle of the night, or walk away from their families to respond when someone in the community needs help.
People also may not realize how much it costs to keep a volunteer fire company operational. Fire apparatus, protective equipment, training, fuel, insurance, maintenance, and medical equipment are all extremely expensive. Much of that cost is covered through fund raising, donations, and community support.
When you see a volunteer firefighter responding to an emergency, you are seeing someone who has chosen to serve their neighbors, not because it is their job, but because they care about their community.
What is the spiciest thing you have ever eaten?
I was at a wine festival in Gettysburg and tried a salsa made with ghost peppers. It felt like my tongue was hit with a hammer! I have not eaten anything with ghost pepper since!
Behind the Blaze with Paul "Tubefreeks" VanValkenburgh
Sunday August 23rd,2026
Where are you guys from, and how did your band form? - We're from the Northern MD / South Central PA area! We came together as a bunch of guys who love rock and wanted to create some really cool music!!
Describe your music style. - We have a very original sound within the space of hard rock, grunge rock, and groove metal. With literally hundreds of influences, we put it all together for our own brand of rock!
What is your favorite show you've ever played? - Probably Blue Ridge Rock Festival twice. But to be honest, we love any show where people are enjoying our music and having a good time. That's what it's all about.
If you could open for any band, who would it be? - We're fans of so many bands, it's hard to pick just one. But if I had to (and this is Paul speaking), I'd say maybe Alice in Chains.
Paul, you joined us for a League of Fire Competition in 2025...and rumor has it you've signed up again! What's your competition strategy this year? - My strategy will be just to survive! Hopefully I can eat some solid food beforehand, but I also have to perform right before the competition, so I won't be able to eat too much. Other than that, I will just eat a lot of hot stuff on a regular basis.
Do any other members of the band enjoy spicy food? - I think mostly our drummer Chris is the other band member who enjoys spicy food. Thanks and look forward to seeing everybody!
Sunday August 23rd,2026
Where are you guys from, and how did your band form? - We're from the Northern MD / South Central PA area! We came together as a bunch of guys who love rock and wanted to create some really cool music!!
Describe your music style. - We have a very original sound within the space of hard rock, grunge rock, and groove metal. With literally hundreds of influences, we put it all together for our own brand of rock!
What is your favorite show you've ever played? - Probably Blue Ridge Rock Festival twice. But to be honest, we love any show where people are enjoying our music and having a good time. That's what it's all about.
If you could open for any band, who would it be? - We're fans of so many bands, it's hard to pick just one. But if I had to (and this is Paul speaking), I'd say maybe Alice in Chains.
Paul, you joined us for a League of Fire Competition in 2025...and rumor has it you've signed up again! What's your competition strategy this year? - My strategy will be just to survive! Hopefully I can eat some solid food beforehand, but I also have to perform right before the competition, so I won't be able to eat too much. Other than that, I will just eat a lot of hot stuff on a regular basis.
Do any other members of the band enjoy spicy food? - I think mostly our drummer Chris is the other band member who enjoys spicy food. Thanks and look forward to seeing everybody!
Behind the Blaze with Dylan "Late for Work" Guerin
Sunday August 16th, 2026
What competitions will you be participating in at Blaze for the Brave 2026?
100% the trouble bubble world record!
What part of Blaze 2026 are you most looking forward to this year?
Honestly the whole festival, the music, the compositions, the community, everything about Blaze is fun.
You've had some previous experience with Trouble Bubble. What was that like, and tell us how many pieces you're going for this year?
First to start for anyone reading that doesn’t know what trouble bubble is, it is a piece of bubblegum the size and hardness of double bubble coated in capsaicin crystals that are 8x hotter than one of the worlds hottest peppers. With that being said the first time I ever did trouble bubble I said I could do ten, then I took the world record with 10, second time I took the record with 11 was a crazy experience, struggled hard and got cap cramps 4 pieces in, third time I took the record it was a well oiled machine till the end. This will be my final time and probably my final big challenge but I will be putting everything I have in attempting 20 pieces.
Milk, ice cream, or puke and rally?
100% Puke and Rally I claim the unofficial title of the king of Puke and Rally!
You're a firsthand witness to Blaze for the Brave planning. What is something people don't know about putting together an event like Blaze for the Brave?
The amount of work that goes into something like this is something unseen by many and doesn’t get enough appreciation. People don’t see that it’s always in the works things were being planed last year for this year and plans are already in the works for next year. It is never ending and takes a lot of time and planning to make everything go smooth.
Sunday August 16th, 2026
What competitions will you be participating in at Blaze for the Brave 2026?
100% the trouble bubble world record!
What part of Blaze 2026 are you most looking forward to this year?
Honestly the whole festival, the music, the compositions, the community, everything about Blaze is fun.
You've had some previous experience with Trouble Bubble. What was that like, and tell us how many pieces you're going for this year?
First to start for anyone reading that doesn’t know what trouble bubble is, it is a piece of bubblegum the size and hardness of double bubble coated in capsaicin crystals that are 8x hotter than one of the worlds hottest peppers. With that being said the first time I ever did trouble bubble I said I could do ten, then I took the world record with 10, second time I took the record with 11 was a crazy experience, struggled hard and got cap cramps 4 pieces in, third time I took the record it was a well oiled machine till the end. This will be my final time and probably my final big challenge but I will be putting everything I have in attempting 20 pieces.
Milk, ice cream, or puke and rally?
100% Puke and Rally I claim the unofficial title of the king of Puke and Rally!
You're a firsthand witness to Blaze for the Brave planning. What is something people don't know about putting together an event like Blaze for the Brave?
The amount of work that goes into something like this is something unseen by many and doesn’t get enough appreciation. People don’t see that it’s always in the works things were being planed last year for this year and plans are already in the works for next year. It is never ending and takes a lot of time and planning to make everything go smooth.
Behind the Blaze with Amy "Eden on Fire" Gould
Sunday August 8th, 2026
Where are you guys from, and how did your band form?
We’re from Erie, Pennsylvania. Eden On Fire formed in 2021 around Amy’s original music, written during the pandemic, and a shared desire to create something heavy, melodic and honest. The lineup has changed and evolved over the years, but the mission has stayed the same: write music that means something and bring it to the stage with everything we’ve got.
Describe your music style.
We’re honestly not the easiest band to put into one box and we like it that way. Eden On Fire pulls from melodic metal, symphonic metal, power metal, classic heavy metal and hard rock, then blends it all together with keyboards, heavy riffs, powerful vocals and songs built around real emotion. Depending on the song, we can be dark and cinematic, straight-up heavy, melodic, aggressive or even a little old-school. There’s a lot going on in our sound, but somehow it all still sounds like Eden On Fire.
What is your favorite show you've ever played?
That’s a tough one because there have been a lot of incredible shows. Competing in the Wacken Metal Battle was absolutely a major highlight, but our outdoor show at Voodoo Brewing Company in Erie this past month was right up there, too. The crowd was loud, the energy was unreal and everything just clicked.
If you could open for any band, who would it be?
Metallica. Easy answer.
What are you looking forward to at Blaze for the Brave 2026?
We’re "fired up" (pun totally intended) to bring Eden On Fire back to Central Pennsylvania. We haven’t played the area since 2024, so it’s long overdue. We’re also proud to be part of a festival that supports such an important cause. Great music, a great crowd and a fundraiser that actually means something. That’s a great combination.
What is the spiciest thing you have ever eaten and do you enjoy a little spice in your life?
That depends entirely on which member of the band you ask. Amy is an absolute lightweight and considers medium wings a dangerous life choice. The rest of the band may be a little more fearless. Either way, we bring significantly more heat to the stage than Amy does to her food.
More on the band:
Eden On Fire is an independent original metal band built around big vocals, heavy riffs, pounding drums, keyboards and songs that come from real places. We’ve been carving out our own sound, stacking up award nominations, releasing new music and pushing the live show harder every time we hit the stage. We’re also heading into our heaviest chapter yet, so Blaze for the Brave is catching Eden On Fire with the flames getting higher.
Sunday August 8th, 2026
Where are you guys from, and how did your band form?
We’re from Erie, Pennsylvania. Eden On Fire formed in 2021 around Amy’s original music, written during the pandemic, and a shared desire to create something heavy, melodic and honest. The lineup has changed and evolved over the years, but the mission has stayed the same: write music that means something and bring it to the stage with everything we’ve got.
Describe your music style.
We’re honestly not the easiest band to put into one box and we like it that way. Eden On Fire pulls from melodic metal, symphonic metal, power metal, classic heavy metal and hard rock, then blends it all together with keyboards, heavy riffs, powerful vocals and songs built around real emotion. Depending on the song, we can be dark and cinematic, straight-up heavy, melodic, aggressive or even a little old-school. There’s a lot going on in our sound, but somehow it all still sounds like Eden On Fire.
What is your favorite show you've ever played?
That’s a tough one because there have been a lot of incredible shows. Competing in the Wacken Metal Battle was absolutely a major highlight, but our outdoor show at Voodoo Brewing Company in Erie this past month was right up there, too. The crowd was loud, the energy was unreal and everything just clicked.
If you could open for any band, who would it be?
Metallica. Easy answer.
What are you looking forward to at Blaze for the Brave 2026?
We’re "fired up" (pun totally intended) to bring Eden On Fire back to Central Pennsylvania. We haven’t played the area since 2024, so it’s long overdue. We’re also proud to be part of a festival that supports such an important cause. Great music, a great crowd and a fundraiser that actually means something. That’s a great combination.
What is the spiciest thing you have ever eaten and do you enjoy a little spice in your life?
That depends entirely on which member of the band you ask. Amy is an absolute lightweight and considers medium wings a dangerous life choice. The rest of the band may be a little more fearless. Either way, we bring significantly more heat to the stage than Amy does to her food.
More on the band:
Eden On Fire is an independent original metal band built around big vocals, heavy riffs, pounding drums, keyboards and songs that come from real places. We’ve been carving out our own sound, stacking up award nominations, releasing new music and pushing the live show harder every time we hit the stage. We’re also heading into our heaviest chapter yet, so Blaze for the Brave is catching Eden On Fire with the flames getting higher.
Behind the Blaze with Bret "Mayor Minion" Fadely
Sunday August 2nd, 2026
Mayor Minion will be returning as our MC in 2026, and he can't wait to avoid anything spicy, all weekend long. Lesson = Learned.
Bret, What are you looking forward to the most at Blaze for the Brave 2026?
MC’ing the event and creating a fun environment
Can you give us any hints about the spicy beer you're brewing up for the Spicy Beer Chug?
Will be brewing a blonde ale in the coming weeks. However, Jayson will need to provide the tinction and taste testing. I WILL NOT be tasting it! LOL
How would you describe that pepper you tried at last year's event?
Excruciating! I will NOT be duplicating the experience
What is something people should know about the chilli eating contests that take place at Blaze for the Brave?
Come with an iron stomach and tolerance for pain!
Sunday August 2nd, 2026
Mayor Minion will be returning as our MC in 2026, and he can't wait to avoid anything spicy, all weekend long. Lesson = Learned.
Bret, What are you looking forward to the most at Blaze for the Brave 2026?
MC’ing the event and creating a fun environment
Can you give us any hints about the spicy beer you're brewing up for the Spicy Beer Chug?
Will be brewing a blonde ale in the coming weeks. However, Jayson will need to provide the tinction and taste testing. I WILL NOT be tasting it! LOL
How would you describe that pepper you tried at last year's event?
Excruciating! I will NOT be duplicating the experience
What is something people should know about the chilli eating contests that take place at Blaze for the Brave?
Come with an iron stomach and tolerance for pain!
Behind the Blaze with League of Fire x Paul Ouro
SUNDAY JULY 26, 2026
Blaze for the Brave: How excited is LOF seeing the growth of chilli eating competitions growing around the world? Are you excited to be coming back to Gettysburg and working with Blaze for the Brave to continue to grow the sport of chilli eating?
Paul Ouro: It's incredibly rewarding to see how much competitive chilli eating has grown over the last few years. When we founded the League Of Fire, our goal was to create a legitimate international sport with consistent rules, recognised titles and a pathway for competitors to progress from local contests all the way to World Championship level. To now see events taking place across Europe, North America, Africa and Oceania—and to watch athletes travelling across continents to compete—is something we're immensely proud of. Gettysburg has become one of the highlights of our annual calendar. Blaze for the Brave isn't just an outstanding festival; it's run by people who genuinely care about growing the sport and creating an unforgettable experience for competitors and spectators alike. Working alongside Jayson Pettibone and his team has been a pleasure from the very beginning, and every year the event gets bigger, better and more competitive. We're absolutely thrilled to be returning. The atmosphere, the passionate crowd and the calibre of the athletes make Gettysburg one of the premier League Of Fire events anywhere in the world. We can't wait to see another packed audience, crown another champion and continue building the future of competitive chilli eating together.
SUNDAY JULY 26, 2026
Blaze for the Brave: How excited is LOF seeing the growth of chilli eating competitions growing around the world? Are you excited to be coming back to Gettysburg and working with Blaze for the Brave to continue to grow the sport of chilli eating?
Paul Ouro: It's incredibly rewarding to see how much competitive chilli eating has grown over the last few years. When we founded the League Of Fire, our goal was to create a legitimate international sport with consistent rules, recognised titles and a pathway for competitors to progress from local contests all the way to World Championship level. To now see events taking place across Europe, North America, Africa and Oceania—and to watch athletes travelling across continents to compete—is something we're immensely proud of. Gettysburg has become one of the highlights of our annual calendar. Blaze for the Brave isn't just an outstanding festival; it's run by people who genuinely care about growing the sport and creating an unforgettable experience for competitors and spectators alike. Working alongside Jayson Pettibone and his team has been a pleasure from the very beginning, and every year the event gets bigger, better and more competitive. We're absolutely thrilled to be returning. The atmosphere, the passionate crowd and the calibre of the athletes make Gettysburg one of the premier League Of Fire events anywhere in the world. We can't wait to see another packed audience, crown another champion and continue building the future of competitive chilli eating together.
