GONZALES - Sunday was the final day of the 59th annual Jambalaya Festival. 

The competition was narrowed down to 12 cooks from around the state competed for the Jambalaya World Championship. 

Tyler Bourque won the 2026 cookoff after competing for 19 years. 

"It's pretty unbelievable," he said while accepting his award. "I have friends and family to cook with ... it was an awesome experience. Thank y'all." 

Burke and his helper won multiple prizes, including the coveted golden paddle.