Things got seriously hot at Starwood Mall on Saturday, 29 August, as chilli lovers, thrill-seekers and families gathered in huge numbers for the Tabloid Newspapers Chilli Challenge 2026.
The annual event attracted a massive crowd, with brave contestants taking on fiery chillies while spectators cheered them on and enjoyed a day packed with entertainment, excitement and prizes galore.
The atmosphere was electric as participants pushed themselves to their limits, consuming chilli after chilli in their bid to claim the top spot. Once again, there was one familiar name at the top of the leaderboard. Pravesh Krishenchand (Baijnath) proved that he is still the king of the chillies as he successfully defended his title after also winning the 2025 Tabloid Newspapers Chilli Challenge.
The reigning champion showed that his appetite for heat has not cooled down, consuming an astonishing 45 chillies to take first place and claim the 2026 title.
His victory was met with cheers from the large crowd at Starwood Mall, as he once again demonstrated his remarkable ability to handle the heat. Akhile Khomo claimed second place with 33 chillies, while Martin Ndlovu took third place after consuming 32 chillies.
Rounding out the Top 10 were Anesh Jaynath (30), Sandeep Paraduman (30), Bongani Masimula (30), Visvanathan Pilay (29), Samantha Thambiran (27), Ajith Othman (27) and Shaheen Narsiah (24).
While the contestants battled it out for the top three positions, spectators were also in for a treat, with numerous prizes handed out to members of the crowd throughout the event.
The giveaways added to the festive atmosphere, with spectators given plenty of opportunities to walk away with something special, adding even more excitement to an already action-packed day.
While the top three received the major prize packages, the remaining seven contestants were also rewarded with plenty of prizes for their bravery and participation in taking on the fiery challenge.
The top three chilli champions, meanwhile, walked away with an impressive selection of prizes generously sponsored by local businesses.
The first-prize package included a R1 500 Starwood Spar voucher, a R1 500 Spicee voucher, a 30L Bennette Read Compact Oven courtesy of DMED, an R800 Nando’s voucher, a R1 500 hamper from Osmans Cash and Carry, a R1 500 voucher from Mamta Boutique, a hamper from Noodle King EEZEE Noodles and a hamper from Osmans Taj Mahal.
The second-prize winner received an R800 Starwood Spar voucher, an R800 Spicee voucher, a sugar-testing machine from DMED Pharmacy, a R600 Nando’s voucher, a hamper from Osmans Cash and Carry, a R1 000 Mamta Boutique voucher, a Noodle King EEZEE Noodles hamper and an Osmans Taj Mahal hamper.
The third-prize winner received R400 vouchers from Starwood Spar, Spicee and Nando’s, a sugar-testing machine from DMED Pharmacy, a hamper from Osmans Cash and Carry, a R500 Mamta Boutique voucher, a Noodle King EEZEE Noodles hamper and an Osmans Taj Mahal hamper.
A special thank you to all our prize sponsors as well as Starwood Mall for hosting the Phoenix leg of the Chilli Challenge and for working closely with our team to help bring the event together.
We also extend our appreciation to our medical and safety partners, Accimed Paramedics for being on site and helping to ensure the wellbeing of our contestants throughout the competition.
With a huge turnout, enthusiastic spectators, fearless contestants and prizes being won throughout the day, the Tabloid Newspapers Chilli Challenge 2026 once again proved to be a sizzling celebration of community spirit.
PHOENIX CHILLI CHALLENGE 2026 – FULL VIDEO NOW ON YOUTUBE!
Watch Pravesh Baijnath defend his title after eating an incredible 45 chillies, plus all the action, reactions and excitement from Starwood Mall!
Watch the full video here: https://youtu.be/aYX4gqNtbtk
