Hosted by Guy Fieri, the Tournament of Champions on the Food Network features an electrifying single-elimination format that brings together 32 chefs for intense culinary battles. Each episode presents unexpected twists, testing the skills and creativity of even the most experienced chefs in the industry.
Beyond the competition arena, Fieri’s iconic catchphrase, “Flavortown,” has permeated food culture significantly. It not only resonates through his restaurants and merchandise but also ignites a vibrant social media presence where fans actively share memes and clips celebrating his larger-than-life personality.
Guy Fieri’s journey in television commenced in 2006 with the debut of Guy’s Big Bite on the Food Network. He is also the face behind popular shows including Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, Guy’s Grocery Games, and, of course, the Tournament of Champions.
Fieri’s culinary journey began in 1996 with the opening of Johnny Garlic’s in Santa Rosa, California. Over the years, he has cultivated a vast culinary empire that includes various restaurants across the United States and internationally, collaborations with cruise lines, and entertainment venues. Additionally, he is the author of several cookbooks, including Guy on Fire, and has launched packaged food products under the Flavortown branding.
Guy Fieri’s Memorable Memes: A Dive into Internet Fame
1) The Pumpkin Spice Season Meme
On October 1, 2019, Guy Fieri playfully shared a post on X that read:
“#TFW you’re in line at a coffee shop and realize it’s officially Pumpkin Spice season. 🎃☕️.”
This post captured widespread attention, leading to a flurry of creative interpretations, including one user (@BRAD_IS_ONLINE) who humorously recreated Guy’s pose alongside the original image.
2) Guy Meets Fortnite
On October 17, 2019, Fieri shared a whimsical X post featuring an edited picture of himself with a character from Fortnite. The image creatively included a “Flavortown”sign, merging gaming and culinary worlds in a fun way.
3) A Visit to Bikini Bottom
In November 2019, Fieri posted a lighthearted, edited image of himself aboard a boat in front of the iconic Krusty Krab from SpongeBob SquarePants. This garnered amusing reactions from followers, including one user who humorously remarked:
“I didn’t know you could breathe under water 😯.”
4) Guy’s Cosmic Culinary Adventure
In August 2019, Fieri shared an imaginative post featuring himself in a NASA space suit, playfully suggesting his culinary flavors were “out of this world.” He cleverly engaged with fans who responded with:
“One small step for man, one giant step for flavor kind.”
5) The Re-Election of Flavortown’s Mayor
In November 2018, Fieri humorously declared his re-election as the Mayor of Flavortown with a post stating:
“Thanks to all the hard-working community members of Flavortown. It was a delicious campaign and we are rollin’ out for another 4 years.”
Fieri reflected on the origins of his beloved catchphrase during an appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert in February 2025, elaborating:
“‘Flavortown’ was this mythical place [I’d go] every time I’d try something really great. The first time, I think, it started is I had this gigantic pizza … I held [the pizza pan] and said, ‘Look at this thing! It’s like the steering wheel on the bus going to Flavortown.’ That’s all I said!”
Guy Fieri’s Culinary Community Initiatives
Guy Fieri’s engagement extends beyond television. According to his bio from Tournament of Champions, he is a passionate advocate for national food initiatives. In 2011, he founded Cooking With Kids (CWK), portraying a commitment to healthy eating and family bonding in the kitchen.
Fieri successfully advocated for California legislation to designate the second Saturday in May as Cook With Your Kids Day, a recognition that eventually expanded to every Sunday. He has also championed this initiative at a national level, including visits to the White House promoting its broader adoption.
Additionally, through his partnership with Armed Forces Entertainment, Fieri has traveled to various locations, including the Persian Gulf and Guantanamo Bay, providing culinary experiences to support U.S. service members.
Don’t miss the Tournament of Champions, airing on the Food Network at 8 PM ET and available for streaming on Max.