The Ultimate Guide to Grilling Competitions in the United States: Where to Show off Your BBQ Skills
Grilling is a beloved pastime for many Americans, and it’s no surprise that grilling competitions have become a popular way to showcase one’s BBQ skills. Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or just getting started, there’s no shortage of events to participate in across the United States.
Here are some of the top grilling competitions to add to your calendar:
- The American Royal World Series of Barbecue – Kansas City, MO
The American Royal World Series of Barbecue is one of the most prestigious grilling competitions in the United States. It takes place in Kansas City, MO, and attracts over 600 teams from around the world. The event features a wide variety of categories, including beef, pork, chicken, and ribs, as well as dessert and sauce competitions.
- Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest – Memphis, TN
The Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest is another highly-regarded event in the grilling world. Held in Memphis, TN, it attracts over 250 teams from around the world who compete in categories such as pork shoulder, whole hog, and ribs. The event also features live music, food vendors, and a carnival atmosphere.
- The Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational Barbecue – Lynchburg, TN
The Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational Barbecue is an exclusive event held in Lynchburg, TN. Only teams who have won a competition within the past year are eligible to compete, making it one of the most competitive grilling events in the world. Categories include pork ribs, beef brisket, and pork shoulder, as well as dessert and sauce competitions.
- The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Barbecue Cookoff – Houston, TX
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Barbecue Cookoff is one of the largest grilling events in the United States. It takes place in Houston, TX, and attracts over 250 teams who compete in categories such as brisket, ribs, and chicken. The event also features live music, carnival rides, and a chili cookoff.
- The World Food Championships – Dallas, TX
The World Food Championships is a unique event that combines grilling with other types of cooking. Held in Dallas, TX, it attracts over 1,500 competitors from around the world who compete in categories such as BBQ, chili, seafood, and dessert. The event also features celebrity chefs, cooking demonstrations, and food vendors.
- The Best in the West Nugget Rib Cookoff – Sparks, NV
The Best in the West Nugget Rib Cookoff is held annually in Sparks, NV, and attracts over 500,000 visitors. It features over 20 top rib cookers who compete for the title of “Best Ribs” and also includes live music, food vendors, and a carnival atmosphere.
- The Big Apple Barbecue Block Party – New York, NY
The Big Apple Barbecue Block Party is held annually in New York, NY, and attracts over 100,000 visitors. It features some of the best BBQ pitmasters in the country who serve up their famous dishes, as well as live music and cooking demonstrations.
- The National BBQ Cup – Cumming, GA
The National BBQ Cup is held in Cumming, GA, and features over 100 teams who compete in categories such as chicken, ribs, and pork. The event also includes live music, food
vendors, and a family-friendly atmosphere.
- The Great American BBQ & Beer Festival – Chandler, AZ
The Great American BBQ & Beer Festival is held in Chandler, AZ, and attracts over 20,000 visitors. It features BBQ from some of the best pitmasters in the Southwest, as well as over 200 craft beers and live music.
- The Pigs & Peaches BBQ Festival – Kennesaw, GA
The Pigs & Peaches BBQ Festival is a popular event held in Kennesaw, GA, and features over 60 BBQ teams who compete in categories such as pork, ribs, and brisket. The event also includes live music, food vendors, and a variety of activities for kids.
- The Smokin’ on the Water BBQ Contest – Liberty, IN
The Smokin’ on the Water BBQ Contest is a competitive event held in Liberty, IN, and features over 40 teams who compete in categories such as chicken, ribs, and pork. The event also includes live music, a beer garden, and a car show.
- The Grill Games – New York, NY
The Grill Games is a grilling competition held in New York, NY, and features some of the best pitmasters in the Northeast. The event includes categories such as chicken, ribs, and brisket, as well as live music and cooking demonstrations.
- The Southern Fried Chicken Festival – Nashville, TN
The Southern Fried Chicken Festival in Nashville, TN, celebrates all things chicken, including BBQ chicken. The event features some of the best chicken dishes in the South, as well as live music and family-friendly activities.
- The New Jersey State BBQ Championship – North Wildwood, NJ
The New Jersey State BBQ Championship is held in North Wildwood, NJ, and features over 50 BBQ teams who compete in categories such as pork, ribs, and brisket. The event also includes live music, food vendors, and a beer garden.
- The Arizona BBQ Festival – Scottsdale, AZ
The Arizona BBQ Festival is held in Scottsdale, AZ, and features some of the best BBQ in the Southwest. The event includes over 25 pitmasters, live music, and family-friendly activities.
These are just a few of the many grilling competitions held across the United States. Each event has its own unique atmosphere, categories, and rules, so be sure to research each one before deciding which one to participate in.
Participating in a grilling competition is not only a fun way to show off your skills and passion for BBQ, but it’s also a great way to meet other grill masters and learn new techniques. So fire up your grill, get your team together, and get ready to compete in some of the best grilling competitions in the country.
Grilling competitions are not only fun and exciting for competitors, but they also attract large crowds of food enthusiasts and BBQ lovers. These events often feature live music, food vendors, and activities for all ages, making them a great way to spend a weekend with friends and family.
In addition to the competitions listed above, there are also many local and regional grilling competitions held across the country. These smaller events provide an opportunity for up-and-coming grill masters to hone their skills and gain experience before competing in larger competitions.
If you’re interested in participating in a grilling competition, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, make sure you understand the rules and categories for the event you’re competing in. Each competition has its own set of rules and judging criteria, so it’s important to be familiar with them in order to give yourself the best chance of success.
Second, practice, practice, practice. The best way to improve your grilling skills is to get out there and cook as much as possible. Experiment with different techniques, marinades, and rubs to find what works best for you.
Finally, have fun! Grilling competitions are a great way to meet new people, learn new skills, and have a good time. So don’t take it too seriously, and enjoy the experience.
In conclusion, grilling competitions are a beloved tradition in the United States, attracting both seasoned grill masters and up-and-coming talent. Whether you’re competing in a local event or a national championship, these competitions provide an opportunity to showcase your skills, meet new people, and have a great time. So fire up your grill, gather your team, and get ready to compete in some of the best grilling competitions in the country.
There are many talented grill masters who have won numerous awards at grilling competitions across the United States. These grillers have honed their skills through years of practice and dedication, and have earned recognition for their exceptional BBQ.
One of the most successful grillers in competition history is Myron Mixon, also known as “the winningest man in BBQ.” Mixon has won countless awards at competitions across the country, including several grand championship titles at the prestigious Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational Barbecue. He is also the author of several best-selling BBQ cookbooks and has appeared on numerous cooking shows and competitions.
Another highly successful griller is Tuffy Stone, who has won multiple grand championships at the American Royal World Series of Barbecue and has been named World Champion BBQ Pitmaster. Stone is also a renowned chef and restaurateur, and has appeared on several cooking shows and competitions.
Other notable grillers who have won multiple awards include Chris Lilly, Aaron Franklin, and Melissa Cookston. Each of these grill masters has earned recognition for their exceptional BBQ skills, and has inspired countless others to take up the craft of grilling.
Ultimately, winning awards at grilling competitions requires a combination of skill, creativity, and dedication. These successful grill masters have all put in the time and effort to perfect their craft, and their achievements serve as an inspiration to all who aspire to become master grillers.
