The Dubai Burger Championship 2026 Winners have officially been crowned, bringing a sizzle to the end of an epic four-day festival. Held at the iconic Dubai Media City Amphitheatre from January 8–11, 2026, the event transformed the heart of the city into a global arena for meat lovers. Thousands of fans descended upon the venue to taste, vote, and cheer for their favorite burger concepts, pitting homegrown UAE stars against world-renowned international heavyweights.
After thousands of votes and meticulous judging by an expert panel, the results have confirmed that Dubai is truly a world-class burger capital. From exclusive Wagyu blends to sustainable local sourcing, here are the champions that defined the weekend.
The Grand Podium: Overall Winners
The “Overall Winner” category was the most fiercely contested, with international brands traveling from as far as Argentina and Brazil to claim the title.
- Overall Winner: La Birra Bar (Argentina) The top spot went to the legendary La Birra Bar for their exclusive creation, the “Crispy Dubai.” This burger was a masterclass in texture, featuring a signature Wagyu beef blend and house-made bread that took months of trial and error to perfect. Having already won awards in the USA and Argentina, this win cements their status as a global powerhouse.
- 2nd Place: Hundred Burgers (Spain) Spain’s heavy-hitter, Hundred Burgers, took home the silver with their famous “Loser” burger. Known for their precision and high-quality Spanish beef, they proved why they are consistently ranked among the best in Europe.
- 3rd Place: Holy Burger (Brazil) Bringing the heat from São Paulo, Holy Burger secured third place with “The Same Old Blues.” Their unique flavor profile and soulful approach to grilling made them a massive hit with the Dubai crowd.
Local Legends: Best of the UAE
While the international brands brought global prestige, the homegrown UAE scene showed that local talent is just as formidable.
- Best UAE Burger: Hella Good The crown for the best local bite went to Hella Good for their Jalapeño Cheese Smash. It was a victory for “smash” enthusiasts, proving that perfectly seared patties and a spicy kick are the keys to the city’s heart.
- Most Original Burger: SALT A name synonymous with the UAE food scene, SALT won for its innovative Desert Truffle Burger. By blending traditional luxury with the rugged identity of the desert, they created a taste profile that was both sophisticated and distinctly local.
- Best Locally-Sourced Sustainable Burger: The Meat Avenue Sustainability was a major theme for the 2026 championship. The Meat Avenue took home this prestigious award for its commitment to high-quality, ethically sourced local meat, proving that “green” can be incredibly delicious.
A Festival Beyond the Bun
The Dubai Burger Championship 2026 Winners were announced on Saturday, January 10, leaving the final day of the festival for fans to queue up and try the winning creations. Beyond the competition, the Media City Amphitheatre buzzed with a “Meat and Fire” pop-up featuring celebrity chefs from Italy and Uruguay, live DJ sets, and a family-friendly zone that kept the energy high from noon until midnight. As Dubai continues its relentless ascent toward the future, the city remains a masterclass in balancing high-octane luxury with thoughtful, community-driven accessibility.