orange ribbon with BBQ Tips written inside

COMPETITION BBQ TIPS

WHAT KCBS JUDGES ARE LOOKING FOR

The world of competition barbecue is a world where pitmasters and backyard grillers come together for a couple of days to cook six succulent servings of chicken, ribs, pork and brisket for a panel of certified judges in an effort to make the best bbq. The judges taste pounds of glorious meat and ultimately decide who is walking home as a grand champion. This site shares competition BBQ tips for trimming, cooking and boxing competition barbecue along with details about health codes, peoples choice and more.

Make the Best BBQ

THE FOUR MEATS

a bite taken out of a cooked competition chicken thigh with bbq sauce

THE METHOD THAT WINS

CHICKEN

TRIMMING VIDEO

8 bbq ribs in a box on greens

3 COOKING METHODS

RIBS

sauced pork tubes, money muscle slices and pork chunks

THE MONEY MUSCLE EXPLAINED

PORK BUTT

6 brisket burnt ends and 8 brisket slices in box on greens

METHOD + INFOGRAPHIC

BRISKET

HOT + FAST

TRIMMING VIDEO

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING

I followed your instructions to a “T” and won second place in an amateur barbecue competition last weekend here in Williamsburg VA. The flavor and “Bite though” were perfect! Thanks for all the great advice!

Nancy Wigley

I really appreciate you going above and beyond so we can understand what the judges are looking for. Keep up the great work.

Grill Timers

This is the recipe to use – especially if you’re new to competition style cooking. I did this in a small charity tournament…We took first place with this method – beating out a couple teams that actually compete in sanctioned events.

Kris Troy

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COMPETITION ESSENTIALS

HUNSAKER DRUMS

MY COMPETITION COOKERS

three orange Hunsaker drum smokers
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BACKYARD GRILLING + BBQ

RECIPES