What began as a small hot sauce contest in 1990 has grown into one of Austin's best-known food events, drawing over 10,000 and 350 entries in peak years. In the early 1990’s Chile Pepper magazine proclaims it the "world's premier hot sauce contest" In 1994, the Austin Chronicle officially proclaim themselves as the largest hot sauce contest in the world!

The Scovie Awards is one of the worlds most competitive gourmet food competitions. Each year, about 800 products from more than 80 categories from around the world compete for honors. The judging, consists of 80 to 100 judges, mostly food professionals, who sample products in coded cups in what is called a “blind tasting.” They fill out judging forms and rate the products according to eye appeal, aroma, flavor, and heat scale, and the forms are later totaled and compiled by our staff.