For one of our 2019 Beijing Burger Cup contestants, victory is so close that they can practically taste it. And what exactly does such a feat taste like? A big fat juicy patty made of hard work and determination, a thick and gooey layer of clever marketing, all held together by a tasty bun of customer loyalty, firm enough to see it through to the very last bite.

In the entire history of the Burger Cup, we’ve never seen such a close race in the Elite Eight round. Three of the four battles are at a near dead heat, with leads changing back and forth by the day, and only a handful of votes among these burgers – all worthy of their top 10 rankings – stands between getting them into the Final Four, and relegation. 

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To remind you of who still has everything to play for, Mexican and Tex-Mex favorites Q Mex are up against Fangjia Hutong favorites The Great Outdoors; American beer heavyweights and forever-narrowly-ousted Great Leap take on comparative newbies and fellow brewers Crafters Brewing Co (pictured at top); three-time champs and brewery Slow Boat are versus equally as prosperous three-timers Home Plate BBQ; and finally, Jiaodaokou fan favorite Side Street goes head to head with Xingfucun hopheads Jing-A.

In an effort to secure votes, many of this year's hopeful finalists are maximizing their push towards the finish line with deals galore, which means there's never been a better time to be a burger lover in Beijing. Over at Q Mex, last year's number four seed and 2017 champions, are offering diners the choice of two tasting-size burgers and a side of wedges for RMB 65 (add a Stone beer for RMB 15), whereas Side Street has pulled out all the stops and have made their hulking two-patty KO Burger half price (RMB 34) until the completion of this round on Tuesday, Jul 8 at midday. That's on top of their usual Monday buy-one-get-one-free on any burger with the purchase of an alcoholic drink. Additionally, Slow Boat has their ongoing Monday buy-one-get-one-free vegetarian burger deal with the purchase of a drink. Jing-A also offer lunchtime diners a free select beer or soft drink with purchase of any burger or sandwich.

Clearly, it's time to get out and taste as many burgers as you can before your place your all-important vote. Your favorite burger place needs you!

Voting schedule as it remains (Jun 22-Jul 16):

• Final Four: Tuesday, Jul 9, 3pm
• Championship Round: Friday, Jul 12, 3pm
• Beijing's Best Burger crowned: Tuesday, Jul 16, 4pm

READ: The 12 Best Burgers in Beijing in 2018, According to You

Images: Crafters Brewing Co, the Beijinger