#USA #Memphis #SmokeSlam #Rescue Smokers #Memphis Barbecue Network

An Unforgettable Showdown at SmokeSlam BBQ Festival

The second annual SmokeSlam BBQ Festival, billed as 'The World's Ultimate BBQ Showdown', showcased a fierce competition filled with seasoned pitmasters and culinary enthusiasts alike. Held in Memphis, Tennessee, this year’s event saw a remarkable uptick in participation, with 76 teams battling it out for barbecue supremacy. Among them, Rescue Smokers from Sycamore, Georgia, emerged as the Grand Champion, securing their place in history with a total prize haul of $72,500.

Competition Overview

The festival, spanning three days, featured both preliminary and final judging rounds conducted by the esteemed Memphis Barbecue Network (MBN). The judging criteria included blind taste tests as well as live presentations on-site, enabling the panel to assess not just flavor but also presentation skills. The increase in participation—from 56 teams last year to 76 this year—indicates the growing popularity of this spectacular event, fueling excitement among fans and competitors alike.

Pitmaster Robby Royal, leading the Rescue Smokers team, expressed his elation over the victory. “After placing third last year and realizing we missed a critical component, to come back and win is indescribable!” Royal exclaimed. His team's journey to the championship was no less than inspiring, demonstrating a relentless dedication to their craft.

Prize Categories and Winners

The competition featured multiple categories, including Whole Hog, Ribs, and Pulled Pork, each distributing a total of $150,000 in prize money. Here’s how the top three placements broke down:

• - Whole Hog:

1. Fireman John's BBQ
2. Grind City Smokers
3. Swineantology

• - Ribs:

1. Fireside Smokers
2. Rebel Roaster Review
3. Ole Booger Bear's BBQ

• - Pulled Pork:

1. Rescue Smokers
2. Poker Porkers
3. Swine Life BBQ

Each first-place winner was awarded a coveted Golden Ticket to the World Food Championships, further validating the competition's significance in the larger culinary landscape. Rescue Smokers also bagged a substantial portion of the prize pool, amounting to $65,000 from their wins in both the Grand Prize and Pulled Pork categories.

Ancillary Champions and Youth Involvement

Moreover, the festival highlighted the importance of youth engagement in BBQ, with the World Junior BBQ League hosting 42 children who competed across four categories for an impressive total purse of $25,000. The Grand Champion of this segment, Totally Bodacious BBQ, walked away with $12,500, positioning the next generation of barbecue talent for future success.

In addition, SmokeSlam has remained committed to philanthropic efforts, donating $5,000 to further promote leadership and healthy competition among young BBQ enthusiasts. The event also partnered with Project Green Fork, which collects surplus food to assist those facing food insecurity in local communities.

Looking Ahead

As this year's SmokeSlam BBQ Festival concludes, it sets high standards for future events. The festival promises to continue growing and evolving, finding innovative ways to engage both competitors and the community. For enthusiasts craving more, details and photos from the event can be accessed at www.SmokeSlam.com or through their social media pages.

In a world where culinary arts can often be competitive, SmokeSlam stands out as a beacon of community, creativity, and camaraderie. The next showdown promises even greater excitement, as participants prepare for a chance to claim the title of Grand Champion in the years to come.