The Team Bringing RVA Wing Wars Back for Round 2
The creators of RVA Wing Wars (left to right): Nia, Kicki, and James.
by Tranae Cearnal | Sep 3, 2025
The name for The Richmond Seen was brought together over a margarita and a plate of buffalo wings at Fuzzy Cactus. But ever since the days of Asado (real Richmond remembers Asado), we’ve been trading notes on what truly makes the perfect wing. Does it have to be sauced, specifically Buffalo, or can it be a naked wing with an excellent dry rub? Is it the crunch? Or is it the dipping sauce (which HAS to be homemade)?
Still, the bigger question is this: WHO HAS THE BEST WINGS IN RICHMOND?!
You’ll have to wait until after the 2nd annual RVA Wing Wars to find out. Curated by food gurus Nia, Kici, and James (see our exclusive interview with James here), the event will be hosted at Triple Crossing Beer — Fulton (who’s also entering the competition) and will feature some heavy-hitters in Richmond’s wing game — including returning champion Royal Pig. We caught up with the RVA Wing Wars team to talk about the history of the event, this year’s competition, and who THEY think has the best wing in Richmond. (Spoiler alert: they didn’t tell us.
A saucy & crisp plate of Buffalo Wings at Fuzzy Cactus in Richmond, VA
The Richmond Seen: What’s the story behind RVA Wing Wars and how many years has it been running?
RVA Wing Wars: So it really started with a small group of friends trying to find who had the best wings in town. We knew there were great wings here in RVA, but we didn't know who had the best, and as RVA foodies, we hadn't heard anyone sing the praises of a place that had earned recognition as the best wings. So, we were going to order wings from all over, and all of our foodie friends were going to come and crown one wing and sing its praises. It was my dad who said if we are looking for the best wings, so are others. I pitched the idea to a few friends, Kici and our friend Melisa Ross (who helped us last year) to see if we could take this task on. It was challenging for a grassroots crew of friends, not affiliated with any of the larger advertising or activity organizations, to organize a local competition that we call Wing Wars last year (2024) and crown the best wing in the city. This year, Nia has stepped in to help make the magic of last year just a little larger. We are still grassroots and not connected or sponsored by anyone, and somehow, we are breaking barriers and making things happen.
TRS: How many competitors will be participating this year, and are there any returning faces joining the lineup?
RVA WW: This year, we have gained a little more popularity, struggling to sustain 13 vendors last year. We now have 20 teams for this year, with a few backup teams, hoping that someone will drop out. We also have a few returning faces. Last year's big winner that took home both the People's Choice and the Judged Choice, Royal Pig. Charlotte's Southern Deli and O'taste & See, both of which received mentions from the judges last year, will be returning, along with Frozay RVA, The Drop Off Chef, and the Daily Menu, which will return for some redemption.
TRS: How are the competitors preparing for this year’s event? Will they be cooking on-site or bringing their wings ready to serve?
RVA WW: Well, from what we have heard so far, a few of the restaurants have been testing their flavors out for pop-ups and reaching out to their bases to taste different sauces. We hope the best for each vendor and they have the opportunity to finish cooking things on site. There would be space to do what they need at Triple Crossing. Wings just need to be ready for the public at their station by the time guests arrive.
TRS: What categories or criteria will the judges use when scoring the wings?
RVA WW: This year, we have three categories: People's Choice (judged by the attendees), the Traditional Choice (chosen by the attendees and the judges), and the Judge'sx Choice. Our Judges this year, James Crump, Eileen Mellon, Rabia Kamara and Bakari Ruggiero, will set their criteria and make their decision.
TRS: Which competitors do you anticipate will be favorites this year?
RVA WW: It's been a real toss-up for us this year. Last year, the more Asian flavors led the pack, with some really different flavors. But we believe the competitors will come with the big flavors, so it's anyone's game.
Brined, and fried chicken wings from local pop-up, Kwam’s Chicken Project, during their Super Bowl special.
TRS: Besides bragging rights, what prizes will the winning competitors receive?
RVA WW: This year, there is a cash prize for each winner. We were able to get last year's competitor on air with us to show off the winning wings. It really helps put a spotlight on your talents and give you recognition amongst the community.
TRS: What can ticket holders expect when they arrive at RVA Wing Wars?
RVA WW: First, the vibe. We want the whole event to remain electric. We will have a DJ playing music, the smell of wings in the air, and beer for drinking. What more does one need?
TRS: In your opinion, what makes the perfect wing?
RVA WW: For me, I need a crispy exterior. Give me flavor and sauce, but I must have some crispiness. I love a bold but balanced flavor for the wings, sauced or dry rubbed; it has to sing. Lastly, the wing has to be cooked properly; grease-logged wings are a sin against God, along with wings fried so hard that the flesh is no longer juicy or edible.
TRS: What’s the future of RVA Wing Wars—how do you see it growing or evolving?
RVA WW: You know. I want a whole Wing Wars Day Fest. I think we have a ways to go for that, but I can see it in the future. You know, wings are so personal, and we have had some home cooks who want to enter the competition. That's my level, so incorporating them somehow would also be cool.
TRS: Who has your personal favorite wings in Richmond right now?
RVA WW: There is no possible way that I would let that slip out of the bag. They may or may not be in the competition; they may or may not have been here last year. All I will say is that the proof will be in the pudding at the end of the day again this year, and we'll all have to wait and see.
Tickets on sale now! Get yours before they’re sold out. .
Participating Restaurants: Royal Pig, Charlotte’s Southern Deli, The Drop Off Chef, Wumami, O’Taste & See, Kwame’s Chicken Project, Zorch Pizza, Frozay RVA, Mr Make You Hungry, Daily Menu, Torch Kitchen + Ba, Triple Crossing, Chef Shad Apt. 310, Poor Boys RVA, Yellow Umbrella Provisions, Block Benderz, Gather & Hem, Fuzzy’s Lounge, Bolo’s Eatery by Lindsey Food group, The Smoky Mug.
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