Philadelphia, PA - Philadelphia's culinary calendar is about to get a whole lot cheesier! March Cheesesteak Madness (MCM), the annual tournament that pits the region's best cheesesteaks against each other in a head-to-head competition, is back.
The bracket reveal party, marking the official start of the delicious competition, is scheduled for Monday, March 17, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Jaxx Steaks Taproom (242 Wharton St, Philadelphia, PA). This event is a must-attend for cheesesteak enthusiasts, offering a first look at the 64 contenders vying for the coveted titles of Judge's Champion and People's Champion.
A Bracket-Style Battle for Cheesesteak Supremacy
Modeled after the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament, March Cheesesteak Madness is a single-elimination tournament where 64 cheesesteaks are divided into four regions:
- Philadelphia: The classic cheesesteak battleground.
- Delco (Delaware County): Representing the strong cheesesteak tradition of Delaware County.
- NJ/DE: A combined region showcasing top contenders from New Jersey and Delaware.
- Other Counties: Encompassing the cheesesteak offerings of Chester, Berks, Bucks, and Montgomery Counties.
This regional division allows for "Best Of" titles within each area, adding local bragging rights to the overall competition.
Two Ways to Win: Judges' Choice and People's Power
The tournament features two distinct paths to victory:
- Judge's Champion: A panel of expert judges will meticulously taste and score each cheesesteak, evaluating them in head-to-head matchups, two rounds at a time. This rigorous judging process ensures the winner demonstrates consistent quality and excellence.
- People's Champion: Cheesesteak fans across the region can cast their votes online at PhillyBite.com, making their voices heard and choosing their favorite contender.
Get in on the Action: Bracket Reveal Party and Video Coverage
The bracket reveal party at Jaxx Steaks Taproom on March 17th is the official kickoff event. Attendees will be among the first to see the full 64-cheesesteak bracket, learn about the participating restaurants, and start planning their cheesesteak tasting strategy.
For those unable to attend the party or the judging rounds, comprehensive video coverage will be available. Every cheesesteak contestant and every tournament match will be documented and shared on MarchCheesesteakMadness.com and the Philadelphia Cheesesteak Adventure YouTube channel (MCM playlist). This allows fans to follow the competition closely, even from afar.
A Celebration of Philly's Iconic Food
"We're incredibly excited to kick off another year of March Cheesesteak Madness," says tournament creator Jim Pappas. "This event is a celebration of Philadelphia's iconic food and the passionate community that surrounds it. We can't wait to see which cheesesteak will reign supreme this year!" This quote encapsulates the spirit of the event: a fun, competitive celebration of a
March Cheesesteak Madness is more than just a competition; it's a celebration of Philadelphia's culinary heritage and a testament to the enduring popularity of the cheesesteak. Whether you're a die-hard cheesesteak aficionado or simply curious to see what all the fuss is about, the bracket reveal party and the ensuing tournament offer a delicious and engaging way to experience the best of the Philly cheesesteak scene. Mark your calendars for March 17th, and get ready to cheer on your favorite cheesesteak!
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