Milwaukee Chef Competes on 'Tournament of Champions'

Dan Jacobs, a runner-up on 'Top Chef: Wisconsin,' advances to the main bracket of Food Network's culinary competition show.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Milwaukee chef Dan Jacobs, who was a runner-up on the 2024 season of 'Top Chef: Wisconsin,' has advanced to the main bracket of Food Network's 'Tournament of Champions VII.' Jacobs defeated Chicago-based chef Joe Flamm, a winner of 'Top Chef' Season 15, in the qualifying round that aired on February 15. The main tournament, hosted by Guy Fieri, premieres this Sunday, March 1 at 7 p.m. Central Time.

Why it matters

Jacobs' appearance on 'Tournament of Champions' showcases Milwaukee's growing culinary talent on a national stage. The show features a who's who of champion chefs, making it one of the most prestigious cooking competitions. Jacobs' run on the show could raise the profile of Milwaukee's dining scene and inspire other local chefs to compete at the highest levels.

The details

In the qualifying round, Jacobs faced off against several high-profile chefs, including 'Top Chef' winner Stephanie Izard, 'Iron Chef America' winner Viet Pham, and Giuseppe Tentori, a veteran of the BOKA restaurant group in Chicago. Jacobs said the 'Randomizer' element of the show, which introduces surprise ingredients, and the blind tasting format make 'Tournament of Champions' uniquely challenging compared to 'Top Chef.'

  • The qualifying round episode aired on February 15, 2026.
  • The main tournament of 'Tournament of Champions VII' premieres on Sunday, March 1, 2026 at 7 p.m. Central Time.

The players

Dan Jacobs

A Milwaukee-based chef who was a runner-up on the 2024 season of 'Top Chef: Wisconsin.'

Joe Flamm

A Chicago-based chef who won Season 15 of 'Top Chef.'

Stephanie Izard

A chef from Chicago's Girl & the Goat restaurant and a 'Top Chef' winner.

Giuseppe Tentori

A veteran chef formerly of the BOKA restaurant group in Chicago.

Viet Pham

A winner of 'Iron Chef America.'

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What they’re saying

“It kind of bills itself as the ultimate culinary showdown competition. And it really is – if you look at the people participating, it's a who's who of champions, people that I've looked up to for years.”

— Dan Jacobs, Milwaukee Chef (milwaukeemag.com)

“I'm gonna cook a dinner better than yours, and then I'm gonna give you a ride home and shovel your walk. We're gonna out nice each other.”

— Joe Flamm, Chicago Chef (milwaukeemag.com)

What’s next

The main tournament of 'Tournament of Champions VII' premieres this Sunday, March 1, 2026, where Jacobs will compete against Sarah Bradley, a two-time 'Top Chef' runner-up and 'Chopped' champion.

The takeaway

Dan Jacobs' appearance on 'Tournament of Champions' showcases Milwaukee's growing culinary talent and the city's ability to produce chefs who can compete at the highest levels of national cooking competitions. Jacobs' run on the show has the potential to raise the profile of Milwaukee's dining scene and inspire other local chefs to pursue their culinary ambitions.