KCBS World Invitational Championship
Join Us at the 7th KCBS World Invitational Barbeque Championship & BBQ Village
– Fun and Food for the Whole Family –
James E. Ward Agricultural Center (Wilson County Fairgrounds)
Lebanon, TN May 23-25, 2025.
For the first time, the KCBS World Invitational Championship is inviting the public to experience the best in competition barbeque!
BBQ Village Highlights:
- Food Vendors – Choose from a select group of food and BBQ vendors.
- Craft Vendors – Browse handmade goods from local artisans and vendors.
- Cooking Demos – Learn BBQ tips and techniques from pitmasters in live demonstrations.
- People’s Choice Competition – Become a judge and taste championship-level BBQ in this fun competition where the public decides the winner.
- Live Entertainment – Enjoy music and performances throughout the weekend.
- Kid Zone – Bring the whole family for fun activities designed especially for kids.
- VIP BBQ Experience: Enjoy exclusive access to a private VIP BBQ Experience, featuring premium barbeque, reserved seating, and the chance to meet top pitmasters and special guests. Includes custom cocktails, and behind-the-scenes tours of the KCBS World Invitational.
Whether you're a BBQ enthusiast, foodie, or just looking for a great time, the KCBS World Invitational promises an exciting weekend for everyone!
Champion pitmasters at the top of their game will compete for $70,000 in prize money, and the KCBS World Champion title at the 7th annual KCBS World Invitational Barbeque Competition held at the James E. Ward Agricultural Center (Wilson County Fairground) in Lebanon, TN May 23-25, 2025.
Friday, May 23, 2025, the KCBS World Invitational kicks off with NEW ancillary competitions, open to all KCBS Teams in good standing.
Teams can showcase their skills in:
- One-Meat Ribs
- One-Meat Chicken
- Anything But
- Dessert
- Holladay Cocktail Ancillary (Saturday, May 24)
Anything But and Dessert contests allow for creativity beyond traditional BBQ, and invite unique dishes.
Saturday, May 24, 2025, KCBS hosts the Wells Cup (Open) featuring Backyard teams and Master Series teams from around the world who go head-to-head. Teams compete in the Holladay Cocktail Competition showcasing their creativity and mixology skills by crafting signature cocktails that highlight Holladay Distillery spirits. Any KCBS member in good standing can compete in the Wells Cup.
Sunday, May 25, 2025, the top teams worldwide will compete at the Master Series Invitational and the Backyard Series Invitational battling for the KCBS World Champion titles.
To qualify to compete for cash, trophies, and bragging rights
- Master Series teams must have won a Grand Championship or Reserve Grand Championship between March 1, 2023-Feb. 28, 2025.
- Backyard Series teams must win 1st place Chicken or 1st place Ribs at a KCBS-sanctioned Backyard contest between March 1, 2023-Feb. 28, 2025.
On Saturday, May 24, kids age 6 thru 16 can compete in our Kids Que.
The 6 to 10-year-olds competing in the Kid’s Que will cook a burger and assemble a Mystery Dessert Box.
The 11 to 16- year-olds competing in the Junior Q will cook a burger and a steak. This event is limited to 50 contestants, 25 per age group.
Only a $20 Entree Fee!
Are you looking to register your child for the Youth Que at the World Invitational?
Click the link below!
Planning to attend the 2025 World Invitational and need to book a hotel?
Check out the links below for hotel options, including exclusive group rates!
Holiday Inn Express
826 Cumberland St.
Lebanon, TN 37087
Click HERE to book.
Fairfield by Marriott Lebanon
1145 Franklin Road
Lebanon, TN 37090
Click here to Book your group rate for KCBS World Invitational 2025
Or give code "BBQN" if calling the hotel to make the reservation.
Cedar Valley Inn
631 S. Cumberland St.
Lebanon, TN 37087
(615) 444-0505
Give code “KCBS25” when calling hotel to make your reservation.
Friday, May 23, 2025, the KCBS World Invitational kicks off with NEW ancillary competitions, open to all KCBS Teams in good standing.
Teams can showcase their skills in:
- One-Meat Ribs
- One-Meat Chicken
- Anything But
- Dessert
- Holladay Cocktail Ancillary (Saturday, May 24)
Anything But and Dessert contests allow for creativity beyond traditional BBQ, and invites unique dishes.
Interested in sponsoring an ancillary competition at the KCBS World Invitational? Showcase your brand to barbeque enthusiasts while aligning with a custom category, such as Ribs, Chicken, Anything But, or Desserts, and gaining visibility at one of the top events in competition barbeque!
Email marketing@kcbs.us for more information.
Registration for teams is NOW AVAILABLE.
All KCBS World Invitational qualifiers and competitors must be members in good standing of the Kansas City Barbeque Society.
Confirm your membership at www.kcbs.us or call the office at 1-800-963-5227.
CLICK HERE FOR THE BARBEQUE VILLAGE
This year’s event is bigger and better than ever with plenty of ways to get involved! Whether that be assisting in planning, helping on-site, or assisting afterward -- come be a part of the excitement! Your involvement is key to making this event a success.
Apply to volunteer at the link below:
Certified Barbeque Judge, Table Captain, and Volunteer applications are NOW AVAILABLE.
For judges, please note that there are separate applications for each day of the World Invitational. Please apply to each day that you are interested in judging.
Friday Judging - Ancillary contests (Link)
Saturday Judging - Wells Cup (Open)
& Holladay Cocktail contest (Link)
Sunday Judging - Master and Backyard Invitationals (Link)
Master CBJs will receive preferential seating at the KCBS World Invitational. JCUP certification is required for all CBJs. Judges must be willing to Judge, Table Captain, or Volunteer in the Judging Tent.
Judges must be KCBS Certified Barbeque Judges whose membership is in good standing at the time of service. Join now or ensure your membership is in good standing at www.kcbs.us or call the office at 1-800-963-5227.
