The Best BBQ Competitions in 2012
I am mapping out my 2012 and hope to be able to hit a few big BBQ competitions.
Many of you are active members of the BBQ community and actively participate in BBQ competitions. If this is you, these events and dates are already etched into your memory.
But if you are just learning more about competition BBQ or just want a schedule of when the events take place, then this post is for you.
Most BBQ competitions usually beginning around in April and go until late October. These events feature intense but friendly competition between teams of cooks and are usually divided into separate competitions for the best pork, beef and poultry barbecue and sometimes for the best barbecue sauces.
There are two main kinds of competition: 1) “invitational events” (invite only based upon a certain criteria) and 2) “open events” where anyone can enter. Prize fees and tasting rules also vary by competition and by state.
Let’s get into each one!
Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational Barbecue Competition
Smokin’ Hoggz BBQ from Abington, Mass celebrate their win in 2011!
- Years: 25 (as of 2012)
- When: October 27, 2012 (last weekend in October)
- Where: Lynchburg, TN
- Prize Money: $40,000
- Size: 89 Teams
The competition, referred to as “The Jack”, is like the Super Bowl of the BBQ competition circuit. To qualify for entry, teams must win a state championship with at least 25 teams, or win one of the premiere barbecue competitions that qualify a team for an automatic berth.
Website: http://www.jackdanielsbarbecuemedia.com/
American Royal BBQ Competition (Invitational and Open)
- Years: 33
- When: October 6, 2012 (first weekend in October)
- Where: American Royal Complex, Kansas City, MO
- Prizes: $100,000
- Size: 500+ Teams
The American Royal Barbecue Contest is held each October in Kansas City, Missouri with an invitational and an open contest. This open contest is the largest championship barbecue competition in the world, with the 2007 event attracting 496 teams.
Website: http://www.americanroyal.com/Default.aspx?tabid=65
Safeway BBQ Battle XX
- Years: 20
- When: June 23, 24 2012
- Where: Pennsylvania Ave, DC
- Prizes: $40,000
- Size: 40 teams
One of the only times that 150,000 people are allowed to shut down Pennsylvania Avenue, the BBQ Battle in DC features 30 bands on 3 stages, Safeway Sampling Booth, The Johnsonville “World’s Largest Grill,” The Oscar Meyer Weiner Truck, and more. The big draw is the National Pork Championship – with shoulder, pork rib, picnic, or butt categories. Also a traditional KCBS championship, Perdue Sizzlin Chicken Contest,and a Ranchers Reserve Beef BBQ Championship.
Website: http://www.bbqdc.com/
Memphis in May
- Years: 36 (in 2012)
- When: May 17, 2012
- Where: Tom Lee Park, Memphis TN
- Prizes: $110,000
- Size: About 400 teams (?)
The World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest is held annually in Memphis, Tennessee, during the Memphis in May festival. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, it is the world’s largest pork barbecue contest. There are lot of fun extras like the Ms. Piggie Idol competition where the finest swine tests their vocal skills, and grown men dress in tutus and snouts and women kick their heels (hooves) up. There is also a t-shirt competition and even a best booth contest.
Website: http://memphisinmay.org/worldchampionshipbbqcontest
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/worldchampionshipbarbecuecookingcontest
Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memphis_in_May
Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
- Years: 39th (in 2012)
- When: Feb 23 – Feb 25th
- Where: Houston TX
- Prizes: ?
- Size: 244,000+ fans
The World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest (the “Contest”) is three days of cooking, competition, eating and dancing. The sweet aroma drifts over the Houston metropolis, drawing crowds like bees to honey as a record 244,184 guests joined the feast in 2011. While the camaraderie is fun and festive, the judging is all business as teams vie for the coveted title of World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest Grand Champion. Trophies are awarded to teams preparing the best dish in each category (brisket, chicken and pork ribs) as well as an overall winner. Awards also are presented to the most colorful team, the team with the cleanest area, the most unique pit and the team with the best skit. Go Texan teams are honored for best barbecue and most colorful team. Recycling awards and the Dutch Oven Dessert award also are presented.
Website: http://www.rodeohouston.com/access/bbq/index.aspx
Smoke on the Water
- When: March 30, 2012
- Where: Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas
- Prizes: $400,000 in total prize money
Website: www.smokeonthewaterbbq.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/smokeonthewaterproductions
Roc City Rib Fest
- When: May 5, 2012
- Where: Rochester NY
- Prizes: $15,000
- Size: 145 teams in 2011
Website: http://roccityribfest.com/
That’s most of the real big ones – have any others that are a must-see?
Please let us know which ones and why in the comments!
Would love to make it to the Royal one day!
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Same here Kevin. Went to The Jack this past year and had a blast. Should be going to the Safeway BBQ Battle in D.C. this summer. Looking forward to that one as well.
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http://www.kresmokers.com/
Braggin rights only
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Great stuff. This is the year of the BBQ. Can’t wait to see what the masters do this year!
Dave
easypeasyfoods.com/blog
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You forgot the Texas Rodeo brother. The big 4 of Que are Memphis in May, the Royal, the Jack, and the Rodeo. Good luck in 2012 ya’ll
Neil Gallagher
Pitmaster
Too Sauced To Pork BBQ Team
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Thanks Neil, I am going to add the Rodeo. Do you cook at all 4?
I have been to 3 of the four, the Rodeo I have yet to attend… I have cooked in Memphis in May the last 11 years, awesome time…
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Don’t forget the National BBQ Festival held in Waycross, GA the first weekend in November. Friday is the Best of the Best Invitational and Saturday is the Smokin’ in the Swamp Open along with the Smokin’ in the Swamp Backyard and Kids Q. There is a Pie contest as well!! Over $50,000 in prizes for the weekend. See more information here http://www.nationalbbqfestival.com
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