2019 KANSAS CITY BARBEQUE SOCIETY TEAM OF THE YEAR WINNERS ANNOUNCED

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2019 KANSAS CITY BARBEQUE SOCIETY TEAM OF THE YEAR WINNERS ANNOUNCED
 
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – (Jan. 23, 2020) – In recognition of the 2019 competition barbeque season, the Kansas City Barbeque Society proudly announced the 2019 winning pitmasters of their Team of the Year  points chase program. Over 2,600 pitmasters from across the United States and in 42 countries competed in the KCBS 2019 Team of the Year chase. Teams competed at KCBS-sanctioned barbeque contests throughout the year to earn some amazing trophies, over $27,000 in cash prizes and the pride of being recognized as some of the best barbeque pitmasters in the world!  
 
Husband and wife pitmaster team, Matt and Sarah Walker of Boomerang BBQ, took first place as Grand Champions out of 2,615 teams in the Kansas City Barbeque Society Team of the Year points chase. The Lubbock, TX based team set an incredibly difficult record by sweeping all 4 meat categories and Overall; coming in 1st place in points for Chicken, Pork Ribs, Pork, and Brisket. "KCBS Team of the Year is a year-long goal and commitment for any team. Hard work and dedication is preached in the Boomerang Camp. We do it because we love barbeque.”  Matt Walker took home the title of KCBS “Rib King” in the 2018 Team of the Year chase. His wife, Sarah Walker, took home the title of KCBS “Rib Queen” in 2019! 
 
B-S BBQ Outlaws, led by pitmaster Bobby Stanfiel, took home Reserve Grand Champion. “It takes a lot of heart and dedication to do the best you can do. The love of cooking barbecue and the excitement of competition has taught me patience and has brought me a great sense of calm like nothing else,” says Bobby.
 
Among the Overall top 25 Pitmaster teams in the Kansas City Barbeque Society Team of the Year points chase, the finalists had some impressive stats, including a total of 143 Grand Championships (overall contest winner), 95 Reserve Grand Championships (overall contest 2nd place), 64 First Place in Chicken, 71 First Place in Ribs, 66 First Place in Pork and 88 First Place in Brisket; demonstrating consistency, quality and winning flavor profiles.
 
“We are excited to recognize the pitmaster teams who dedicate themselves to the Kansas City Barbeque Society Team of the Year points chase. We know it takes determination, time and passion for barbeque. Many of these teams also provide mentoring to up - and - coming pitmasters; sharing the barbeque spirit they received when they were new to the sport,” says Emily Detwiler, Chief Executive Officer of KCBS. “We’d also like to recognize the countless hours from Certified Barbeque Judges, Contest Officials, Organizer and volunteers that it takes to ensure pitmasters can have a fair and equitable barbeque contest.”
 

 
 
2020 Top Overall Barbeque Pitmasters
Total Program Overall:
 
  1. BOOMERANG BBQ     Pitmaster Matt Walker
  1. B-S BBQ OUTLAWS   Pitmaster Bobby Stanfiel
  1. BIG RAZ BBQ              Pitmaster Joe Raziano
  1. GETTIN’ BASTED        Pitmaster Brad Leighninger (2018 KCBS Team of the Year Grand Champion)
  1. IQ – NETHERLANDS   Pitmaster Richard Wagers
  2. UNDER THE RADAR   Pitmaster Allen Clem
  3. BURNIN & LOOTIN    Pitmaster Jerry Aguilar
  4. WOLF’S REVENGE     Pitmaster Chiles Cridlin
  5. CLARK CREW BBQ     Pitmaster Travis Clark
  6. SLAPS BBQ                 Pitmaster Joe Pearce
 
 
Overall in Fewer Number of BBQ Contests Cooked:
  • 20 Contests and Under:  IQ NETHERLANDS  
  • 15 Contests and Under:  GREY STREET BBQ
  • 10 Contests and Under:  PIG CHICKA COW COW
  • 5 Contests and Under:    THE KING AND HIS Q
 
Canada top Overall:
1. SMELLAQUE  
2. ARROWHEAD NORTH BBQ  
3. BIGG SMOAK BBQ  
 
Europe Top Overall
1. IQ - NETHERLANDS  
2. SOUTHERN DUTCH BBQ  
3. BUNCH OF SWINES  
 
Australia Top Overall
1.   The King and His Q  
2.   SMOKE N DAGGERS BBQ  
3.   BIG BOY BBQ Australia  
 
 
To learn more about the Kansas City Barbeque Society Team of the Year points chase and see the 2019 standings, visit www.kcbs.us. Pitmasters are already competing for the 2020 KCBS Team of the Year points chase.
 
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About the Kansas City Barbeque Society:  
The Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving, celebrating, promoting and educating the public about barbeque as a distinctively American cuisine. KCBS is the world’s largest organization of barbeque and grilling enthusiasts, with approximately 20,000 members in the U.S. and over 42 countries. KCBS sanctions nearly 500 barbeque contests worldwide each year; including destination contests such as the American Royal World Series of Barbeque© and the Jack Daniel’s Invitational. For more information, visit us online at www.KCBS.us, on Facebook at @KansasCityBarbequeSociety, on Instagram as @kcbbqsociety and on Twitter @KCBBQSociety
 
The Kansas City Barbeque Society partners with brands and corporations to create custom barbeque events for consumers, as well as employee engagement. From volunteering at barbeque contests to event production, KCBS members offer assistance to civic and charitable organizations who organize events. KCBS serves as a key influencer and powerhouse of barbeque information; partnering with related trade associations and other contest-sanctioning organizations, tracking trends in barbeque related products and teaming up with other food organizations and the media to promote barbeque.
 
Media Contact:
The Kansas City Barbeque Society
Emily Detwiler    
ceo@kcbs.us    
(816) 885-2943