WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BARBEQUE COMPETITION AMONG GLOBAL TOP-TIER PITMASTERS IN LEBANON, TN
(February 7, 2024) - The Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS) is proud to announce the upcoming World Championship event, where top-tier pitmasters will gather at the Wilson County Fairgrounds in Lebanon, TN, from May 24 to May 26, 2024.
Bringing together over 100 skilled pitmasters from around the world, this competition promises three days of high-stakes smoking as participants vie for the prestigious title of "World Champion," $70,000 in prize money, trophies, and bragging rights. Of course, where there are KCBS-sanctioned barbeque competitions, there are hundreds of certified barbeque judges poised to chow down and offer up their expertise.
To qualify for the exclusive World Invitational on May 26, Master Series pitmasters must win Grand Champion or Reserve Grand Champion at a KCBS-sanctioned Master Series barbeque contest. Within the KCBS Backyard Series Invitational, backyard pitmasters qualified by winning 1st place in the Chicken or Ribs category at a KCBS-sanctioned Backyard contest. The Open Contest on Saturday, May 25 showcases Master and Backyard pitmasters who have a rare chance to go head-to-head to determine who will take it all home.
"As a pitmaster, I understand the dedication and skill required to compete at the highest level in the world of barbeque. Qualifying for the KCBS World Invitational Championship is not just about winning contests; it's about demonstrating a deep understanding of the craft and consistently delivering exceptional results. Pitmasters who earn their spot at the World Invitational have proven themselves as true masters of the grill, and I'm thrilled to see them showcase their talents on the global stage” said Rod Gray, CEO of KCBS.
The Turkey Smoke Series, sponsored by the National Turkey Federation, will showcase the versatility of turkey on the pit, adding a highly sought-after ancillary category to the competition.
As the 2023 Turkey Smoke Team of the Year Reserve Grand Champion pitmaster, Stan Dobosenski explained, “Turkey Smoke provides a platform to showcase my skills and creativity in cooking turkey. It's not just about competition; it's also a chance to connect with other teams, and barbeque enthusiasts to explore different techniques and flavors. Overall, it's a rewarding experience that allows me to push my culinary boundaries and have fun doing what I love.”
In the second year of the U.S. Soy Combine Award Series, KCBS is thrilled to be one of the select contests chosen to partner with U.S. Soy to highlight the #FarmtoFlame contest series and the esteemed "Best in Show" award. The Soy Combine Award adds to the anticipation surrounding the event and increases the payout. This collaboration underscores KCBS's commitment to integrating the communities that cook and judge food with the communities that grow it.
Members of the press are invited to engage with pitmasters, certified barbeque judges, and CEO Rod Gray, to gain valuable insights into the world of competitive barbeque and the dedication of its participants.