Memphis Barbecue Competitions Showcase Culinary Excellence

Barbecue festival in Memphis with participants and spectators

News Summary

Memphis recently hosted two prestigious barbecue competitions, SmokeSlam and the Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest, celebrating the community’s barbecue talent. Fireman John’s BBQ won the Whole Hog division at SmokeSlam, while Heath Riles BBQ was crowned Grand Champion at the World Championship, marking a significant achievement. The events featured over 150 teams, including a Junior Barbecue Cooking Contest, promoting culinary skills among young competitors. This year’s competitions emphasized community engagement, showcasing Memphis’s rich barbecue culture and its status as a premier barbecue destination.

Memphis – Celebrated events in Memphis, the SmokeSlam and the Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest, crowned their winners on May 17, 2025, highlighting the incredible talents within the barbecue community.

Fireman John’s BBQ emerged victorious in the Whole Hog division at SmokeSlam, while the Tri-State Porkers claimed the top spot in the patio porkers category at the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest. Both competitions featured enthusiastic participation, showcasing Memphis’s reputation as a barbecue mecca.

Heath Riles BBQ, hailing from Olive Branch, Mississippi, was declared the Grand Champion at the Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest. This victory marked Riles’ first Grand Champion title and his third first-place finish in the Ribs category. The team, comprised of 26 members from various locations, celebrated their achievement with trophies and checks amounting to $39,000.

The Memphis in May event attracted over 150 teams competing across main categories such as ribs, shoulder, and whole hog. The competition ran from May 14 to May 17, 2025, serving as the 47th edition of this prestigious barbecue contest. In a bid to engage the community, the event introduced new contests, including the Junior Barbecue Cooking Contest where young competitors demonstrated their culinary skills in various categories like dessert, pork chop, chicken legs/thighs, and ribeye steak.

SmokeSlam, held at Tom Lee Park, hosted 76 teams and offered a substantial prize pool of $150,000. The competition culminated in Rescue Smokers being named the Grand Champion, with pitmaster Robby Royal also securing first place in Pulled Pork and fourth in Ribs. The participation level of these events underscores Memphis’s commitment to celebrating barbecue culture.

During the competitions, camaraderie was evident as participants shared food and engaged with spectators, a shift from previous years when food was designated solely for judges. This year, Grand Champion Brad Orrison of The Shed BBQ prepared additional ribeye sandwiches for the public, enhancing the sense of community involvement. Meanwhile, the Mexico BBQ Team delighted passers-by with their offering of birria tacos.

In addition to the main competitions, the World Junior BBQ League recognized Totally Bodacious BBQ as its Grand Champion, earning a cash prize of $5,000. The emphasis on family involvement and interaction with the public adds a fresh layer to the traditional grilling contests, making the allure of Memphis BBQ competitions even more significant.

The Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest is renowned not only for its fierce competition but also for its ability to bring together barbecue enthusiasts and the general public. This year’s events were marked by a celebration of culinary excellence, community spirit, and the rich barbecue traditions that Memphis has come to symbolize.

As the barbecue contest continues to grow and evolve, it remains a testament to the skills and creativity of barbecuers who dedicate their time and efforts to perfecting their craft, ensuring Memphis’s status as the BBQ capital of the world.