Are you up for the challenge? Two days, two chances to prove you can really handle the heat. As part of the largest vegan festival in the Basque Country, Meraki Gourmet brings the Spicy Challenge to Be Veggie: competition tables, a lively atmosphere, and only the bravest make it to the end.

Advance registration available—limited spots per session, with room for last-minute participants as well.

📍 FICOBA, Irún
📅 October 31 and November 1, 2026
🔥 Can you handle the Spicy Challenge?

ARDOR FEST — SPICY CHALLENGE
Organized by: Pikantista.com and Be Veggie 2026 (FICOBA Foundation)

Contest Information
● Activity: spicy food eating contest
● Products used: vegan hot sauces, chili powder, and fresh chili peppers. Allergens (Regulation (EU) 1169/2011):
Some sauces contain sulfites; products may contain traces of mustard, celery, and sesame.
● Age requirement: 18 years or older, with valid identification

Below the form, you will find the Declaration of Voluntary Participation and Acceptance of Risks ( This document must be signed in person on the day of the event.) You’ll also find the rules for the challenge.

Registration Form – “Spicy” Challenge: BeVeggie 2026


    Recognition and Acceptance of Risks

    1. I acknowledge and agree that I am 18 years of age or older.
    2. I acknowledge that I have been informed of the nature and operation of the contest, the applicable rules—(which can be found at the bottom of this page) and which I declare I have read and accepted—and the main security measures put in place by the organizer (Pikantista.com).
    3. I acknowledge that I have been informed about the products that will be consumed during the contest (vegan hot sauces, chili powder, and fresh chili peppers) and their allergens: some sauces contain sulfites, and the products may contain traces of mustard, celery, and sesame.
    4. I hereby declare that I do not have any allergies or intolerances to any of the listed products or their allergens (sulfites, mustard, celery, sesame), nor to chili peppers and bell peppers (Solanaceae family).
    5. I acknowledge and fully understand that I will be participating in an activity that may pose health risks, including, but not limited to, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, or gastrointestinal discomfort resulting from the consumption of highly concentrated spicy foods. I also acknowledge that I understand the severity of the aforementioned symptoms may vary from person to person.
    6. I am participating voluntarily and accept the risks inherent in this activity, of which I have been previously informed; I may withdraw from the contest at any time without having to justify my decision.
    7. I understand and agree that the organization (Pikantista.com) may terminate my participation if it observes symptoms or circumstances that warrant discontinuation for safety reasons.
    8. I agree to follow the instructions and safety rules provided by the organization (Pikantista.com) at all times and to immediately report any symptoms or adverse reactions I experience during the contest.
    9. The organization (Pikantista.com) will be liable for any damages attributable to it in accordance with current regulations. Except in these cases, I assume the risks inherent in the activity described in this document, of which I have been informed. By signing the table below, I confirm that I have read, understood, and accepted the foregoing, as well as the contest rules.

    This document will be signed in person on the day of the event.

    ARDOR FEST, presented by Be Veggie
    Gipuzkoa Spicy Food Championship — Contest Rules
    Supplement to the registration form and participation agreement
    Organized by: Pikantista.com and Be Veggie 2026 (FICOBA Foundation) · Location: FICOBA, Irun — Berriketan Room
    Sessions: Saturday, October 31, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. and Sunday, November 1, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. (approx. 1 hour each)

    1. Participants
       Minimum age: 18 years old. You must present your national ID or passport on the day of the event.
       Each session has 8–10 spots: most are available by advance registration, and some are reserved for walk-ins on the day of the event (on a first-come, first-served basis).
       Each person may participate in only one session. Each session has its own classification.
       Participants must arrive 30 minutes before the start time for registration and to sign the participation agreement.

       Participation while under the influence of alcohol or other substances is not permitted.
       Participation is not recommended for pregnant women, or for those with heart conditions, digestive problems (ulcers, acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome),
      high blood pressure, allergies or intolerances to any of the products, or those taking medication that may be affected. It is
      recommended not to participate on an empty stomach.

    2. Products  Three types of products will be used: vegan hot sauces, chili powder, and fresh chili peppers. Allergens (Regulation (EU) 1169/2011): Some sauces contain sulfites; the products may contain traces of mustard, celery, and sesame.
       The heat level increases gradually with each round.
       People with allergies or intolerances to sulfites, mustard, celery, sesame, or chili peppers and bell peppers (Solanaceae family) may not participate.

    3. Contest Format The contest consists of rounds of increasing heat. The specific format (number of rounds, quantities, and time limits) will be explained to participants before the start of each session.
    4. Elimination
      A contestant is eliminated if they:
       Do not finish the portion within the time limit set by the moderator.
       Drink milk, water, or any other beverage, or eat anything that is not part of the round.
       Spits or vomits.
       Leaves their station during the contest.
       Voluntarily withdraws (by raising their hand or informing the moderator), which they may do at any time
      without needing to provide a reason.
       Be removed by the organizers for safety reasons or for unsportsmanlike conduct (hiding, throwing, or tampering with the
      product; disturbing other participants; etc.).
    5. Final, Tiebreaker, and Ranking
       The winner is the contestant who remains in the competition after the final round.
       In the event of a tie, the moderator will conduct one or more tiebreaker rounds.
       Second and third place are assigned based on the order of elimination. If multiple participants are eliminated in the same round, the moderator will decide based on the time of elimination.
    6. Safety
       The organization will provide ways to alleviate the spiciness once a participant has finished or been eliminated.
       Participants are advised not to touch their eyes or face during or after the contest.
       Each participant must immediately report any symptoms or discomfort to the moderator.
       The organizers may suspend any participant’s participation if they observe symptoms or circumstances that make it inadvisable to continue.
       In the event of any incident, the venue’s emergency services will be notified.
    7. Moderation
      The moderator leads and oversees the session and ensures compliance with these rules. The moderator’s decisions regarding the application of the rules
      are final.
    8. Image and Data Protection
       The contest will be photographed, recorded, and may be livestreamed on social media. By signing the declaration, each participant
      consents to the use of their image for the purpose of promoting the event by Pikantista.com and Be Veggie /
      FICOBA.
       Personal data is used solely to administer the contest. Data controller: Pikantista SL (Pikantista.com). Rights of access,
      rectification, and erasure: fabian@pikantista.com.
    9. Acceptance
      These rules are part of the participation agreement: by signing it, the participant agrees to them. For organizational or
      safety reasons, the organizers may modify these rules, provided they notify participants before the session begins.