The Invitational Circuit

You can’t enter these. The field is invited, usually on the strength of a Grand Championship won somewhere else, which makes them the hardest rooms in competition barbecue to get into and the hardest to win. Here is every invitational on record, from the American Royal and the Jack Daniel’s down, who keeps getting the call, and who has won them.

Invitationals

scored contests on record, 2013–2026

Different contests

on the circuit, counting each contest once

Teams invited

1,912

have cooked at least one

Champions

different teams have won one

Biggest field

249

teams at American Royal World Series of Barbecue - INVITATIONAL CONTEST (2022)

Best score

717.7144

Smoked & Furious, out of 720

Perfect 180s

339

at an invitational

Top-100 teams

of today’s power top 100 have been invited

Why they sit outside the power rating

The power rating assumes one field is much like another, and an invite-only field is not, so invitationals don’t move anyone’s number. Everything else counts: the scores, the placings, the Grand Championships, streaks and every team’s contest record. Contests filed as a Competitor’s Series are left out of the rating for a different reason: KCBS awards them no Team of the Year points.

What counts, and why

Coming up by invitation

On the KCBS calendar now. Fields are invited, not entered. A results page appears here the night KCBS posts the scores.

Date	Contest	Where
Oct 9, 2026	Jack Daniel's World Championship Invitational Barbecue (Competitor's Series) (JUDGES BY INVITATION ONLY)	Lynchburg, TN
Oct 15, 2026	Royal Oak Invitational (COMPETITOR SERIES) (PRIVATE EVENT BY INVITATION)	Roswell, GA
Sep 17, 2027	Grand American Barbecue World Championship Invitational (COMPETITOR SERIES)	New Paltz, NY

The big three

The invitationals everybody has heard of, with every edition we have results for. Each KCBS World Invitational runs over several listings (the main contest, the chicken and rib finals and the side boards), so it shows each listing’s own champion.

American Royal Invitational

Held 12 times on record (2013–2025) · last won by Rooters-N-Tooters TN in 2025 · biggest field 249 (2022)

Year	Contest	Grand Champion	Field	Top score
2025	American Royal World Series of Barbecue - Invitational Contest Nov 5, 2025 · Kansas City, KS · 158 teams	Rooters-N-Tooters TN RC: TRIPLE H BBQ	158	710.8344
2024	American Royal World Series of Barbecue - Invitational Contest Oct 30, 2024 · Kansas City, KS · 169 teams	Hot Daddy's BBQ RC: Smoke Central BBQ	169	709.7028
2023	American Royal World Series of Barbecue - Invitational Contest Sep 27, 2023 · Kansas City, KS · 211 teams	FIRE AT THE END OF THE DAY RC: Damn Fine Beef & Swine	211	706.8572
2022	American Royal World Series of Barbecue - INVITATIONAL CONTEST Sep 29, 2022 · Kansas City, KS · 249 teams	QUE U RC: Bushmaster BBQ	249	711.9656
2021	American Royal World Series of Barbecue-INVITATIONAL CONTEST Sep 16, 2021 · Kansas City, KS · 185 teams	TRIPLE H BBQ RC: SIN CIRCLE BBQ	185	708.5372
2019	40th American Royal World Series of Barbecue- INVITATIONAL CONTEST Sep 12, 2019 · Kansas City, KS · 135 teams	Mudville BBQ RC: GETTIN' BASTED	135	706.2516
2018	39th American Royal World Series of Barbecue (INVITATIONAL) Sep 14, 2018 · Kansas City, KS · 164 teams	BUNCH OF SWINES RC: ONE2BBQ	164	705.1200
2017	38th American Royal World Series of Barbecue (INVITATIONAL) Aug 31, 2017 · Kansas City, KS · 129 teams	CLARK CREW BBQ RC: HOGLINE	129	708.5600
2016	37th Annual American Royal World Series of Barbecue (INVITATIONAL) Oct 28, 2016 · Kansas City, KS · 180 teams	913 BBQ RC: SHAKE 'N BAKE BBQ	180	705.0740
2015	36th Annual American Royal World Series of Barbeque- Invitational Oct 2, 2015 · Kansas City, MO · 187 teams	THE SMOKING HILLS RC: PELLET ENVY	187	707.9888
2014	35th Annual American Royal World Series of Barbecue Invitational Oct 2, 2014 · Kansas City, MO · 165 teams	SMOKIN HOGGZ BBQ - MA RC: DIRT ROAD BBQ	165	701.7028
2013	34th Annual American Royal World Series of Barbecue Invitational Oct 3, 2013 · Kansas City, MO · 174 teams	COOL SMOKE RC: T-MAC SMOKIN	174	700.5256

Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational

Held 7 times on record (2013–2025) · last won by Kings BBQ Team in 2025 · biggest field 97 (2019) · next: Oct 9, 2026

Year	Contest	Grand Champion	Field	Top score
2025	Jack Daniel's World Championship Invitational Barbecue (Competitor's Series) (JUDGES BY INVITATION ONLY) Oct 10, 2025 · Lynchburg, TN · 90 teams	Kings BBQ Team RC: BOGGS HOG BBQ	90	710.8684
2024	Jack Daniel's World Championship Invitational Barbecue (Competitor's Series) (JUDGES BY INVITATION ONLY) Oct 11, 2024 · Lynchburg, TN · 87 teams	Scuffletown Smokers RC: JANKY LEG BBQ	87	702.8228
2023	Jack Daniel's World Championship Invitational Barbecue (Competitor's Series) (JUDGES BY INVITATION ONLY) Oct 13, 2023 · Lynchburg, TN · 81 teams	Uncle Pig's Barbeque Pit RC: B'Mackin BBQ	81	699.4056
2022	Jack Daniel's World Championship Invitational Barbecue (Competitor's Series) (JUDGES BY INVITATION ONLY) Oct 14, 2022 · Lynchburg, TN · 83 teams	Heavy Smoke BBQ RC: GOOD GOOGLY GOO BBQ	83	703.4056
2021	32nd Annual Jack Daniel's World Championship Invitational Barbecue (Competitor's Series) (JUDGES BY INVITATION ONLY) Oct 8, 2021 · Lynchburg, TN · 70 teams	Gettin' Basted RC: SLAPS BBQ	70	703.4172
2019	31st Annual Jack Daniels World Championship Invitational Barbecue (JUDGES FULL) (COMPETITORS SERIES) Oct 25, 2019 · Lynchburg, TN · 97 teams	Clark Crew BBQ RC: Shake 'n Bake BBQ	97	705.1544
2013	Jack Daniel's World Championship Invitational Barbecue (JUDGES BY INVITATION ONLY) Oct 25, 2013 · Lynchburg, TN · 97 teams	COOL SMOKE RC: A BOY & HIS BBQ	97	693.1200

KCBS World Invitational

Held 8 times on record (2019–2026) · last won by WAG'S BACKWOODS BBQ in 2026 · most wins: Scuffletown Smokers (2) · biggest field 118 (2024)

Year	Contest	Grand Champion	Field	Top score
2026	8th Annual KCBS World Invitational: Master Series Invitational and the Backyard Series Invitational (Sunday, May 24, 2026) May 24, 2026 · Lebanon, TN · 82 teams	WAG'S BACKWOODS BBQ RC: Phantom Smoke & BBQ	82	710.8344
2026	8th Annual KCBS World Invitational - Youth Que Registration May 23, 2026 · Lebanon, TN	—	—	—
2026	8th Annual KCBS World Invitational: Wells Cup, Cocktail Ancillary, Dessert Ancillary (Saturday, May 23, 2026) May 23, 2026 · Lebanon, TN · 117 teams	Kings BBQ Team RC: SCUFFLETOWN SMOKERS	117	711.4172
2026	8th Annual KCBS World Invitational: World Rib Finals (Friday, May 22, 2026) May 22, 2026 · Lebanon, TN · 79 teams	K & E's Little Smokers	79	—
2026	8th Annual KCBS World Invitational: World Chicken Finals (Friday, May 22, 2026) May 22, 2026 · Lebanon, TN · 74 teams	HOOS SMOKIN	74	—
2025	7th Annual KCBS World Invitational (Sunday, May 25, 2025) May 25, 2025 · Lebanon, TN · 70 teams	Scuffletown Smokers RC: ROOTERS-N-TOOTERS TN	70	707.3828
2025	7th Annual KCBS World Invitational (Saturday, May 24, 2025) May 24, 2025 · Lebanon, TN · 106 teams	Meat Me In St. Louis RC: SmokinGhost BBQ	106	705.6800
2025	7th Annual KCBS World Invitational Anything Molasses (Friday, May 23, 2025) May 23, 2025 · Lebanon, TN	—	—	—
2025	7th Annual KCBS World Invitational Ribs (Friday, May 23, 2025) May 23, 2025 · Lebanon, TN · 55 teams	Scuffletown Smokers	55	—
2025	7th Annual KCBS World Invitational Chicken (Friday, May 23, 2025) May 23, 2025 · Lebanon, TN · 43 teams	Take It Easy BBQ	43	—
2024	6th Annual KCBS World Invitational - BACKYARD SERIES INVITATIONAL May 25, 2024 · Lebanon, TN · 47 teams	Bushwood BBQ RC: Smoke This Drink That BBQ	47	—
2024	6th Annual KCBS World Invitational - MASTER SERIES INVITATIONAL May 25, 2024 · Lebanon, TN · 81 teams	Razorracks RC: Glamping Grillers	81	708.5488
2024	6th Annual KCBS World Invitational - OPEN May 24, 2024 · Lebanon, TN · 118 teams	Local Yokels BBQ RC: ZIPS BBQ	118	709.7260
2023	5th Annual KCBS World Invitational - BACKYARD SERIES INVITATIONAL Aug 12, 2023 · Mayetta, KS · 29 teams	Wrecking Crew BBQ RC: T Daddys BBQ	29	—
2023	5th Annual KCBS World Invitational - MASTER SERIES INVITATIONAL Aug 12, 2023 · Mayetta, KS · 62 teams	Man Meat BBQ RC: JANKY LEG BBQ	62	708.5256
2023	5th Annual KCBS World Invitational - OPEN Aug 11, 2023 · Mayetta, KS · 90 teams	Smoked & Furious RC: MAN MEAT BBQ	90	717.7144
2022	4th Annual KCBS World Invitational - BACKYARD SERIES INVITATIONAL Nov 12, 2022 · Gadsden, AL · 49 teams	Ham Squad RC: HICKORY HANGOVER	49	—
2022	4th Annual KCBS World Invitational - MASTER SERIES INVITATIONAL Nov 12, 2022 · Gadsden, AL · 61 teams	Smokin' Sweetmeats RC: Organizer Portal	61	708.5372
2022	4th Annual KCBS World Invitational - OPEN Nov 11, 2022 · Gadsden, AL · 91 teams	Cocamoke Smoke BBQ RC: WEQ4U	91	702.2516
2021	3rd Annual KCBS World Invitational - Master Invitational Nov 13, 2021 · Shawnee, OK · 92 teams	FERGOLICIOUS BBQ RC: Organizer Portal	92	706.8228
2021	3rd Annual KCBS World Invitational - Backyard Nov 12, 2021 · Shawnee, OK · 33 teams	Sweet & Savory BBQ RC: LEM'S MEAT VARNISH	33	—
2021	3rd Annual KCBS World Invitational - Ancillary Nov 11, 2021 · Shawnee, OK	—	—	—
2021	3rd Annual KCBS World Invitational - Open Nov 11, 2021 · Shawnee, OK · 111 teams	Heavy Smoke BBQ RC: GETTIN' BASTED	111	705.1428
2020	Second Annual KCBS World Invitational Barbeque Competition Nov 13, 2020 · Mayetta, KS · 94 teams	Smoking Butt Heads RC: IOWA'S SMOKEY D'S BBQ	94	708.5600
2019	KCBS World Invitational Barbeque Championship Feb 8, 2019 · Little Rock, AR · 92 teams	HEAVY SMOKE STL RC: SHAKE 'N BAKE BBQ	92	703.9656

The rest of the circuit

Every other contest that runs by invitation. Editions are grouped by name, with the edition number, the year and any notes in brackets left off.

Contest	Held	Last champion	Biggest field	Best score
Royal Oak Invitational Roswell, GA · next Oct 15, 2026 · held 6×	6× 2019–2025	Rooters-N-Tooters TN most wins: SMOKIN SKULLIES (2)	36	708.5488
King of the Smoker Coachella, CA · held 5×	5× 2013–2018	GETTIN' BASTED	25	706.8460
UMB Smokin Vault BBQ Contest Kansas City, MO · held 4×	4× 2016–2019	MEAT RUSHMORE BBQ	24	687.3828
Prime UVE Invitational Barbecue Championship Gaiarine, Italy · held 4×	4× 2015–2018	BUNCH OF SWINES	18	695.3944
Brew N Q Invitational Leicestershire, United Kingdom · held 3×	3× 2017–2019	BUNCH OF SWINES	26	690.9032
Grand American Barbecue World Championship Invitational New Paltz, NY · next Sep 17, 2027 · held 2×	2× 2025–2026	Chunky BBQ	43	711.4172
Holmes Drywall BBQ Cookoff Kansas City, MO · held 2×	2× 2015–2016	SMOKIN BAD HABIT	12	691.9200
European Invitational Championship Wilhering, Austria · held 1×	1× 2026	Smoking Butchers	17	695.9428
Bourbon Capital BBQ Challenge & Distillers' Row Invitational New Haven, KY · held 1×	1× 2022	Tire Smoke BBQ	17	702.2400
National Head 2 Head Invitational Top 50 Great Bend, KS · held 1×	1× 2019	Clark Crew BBQ	7	711.9888
Holmes Drywall Supply BBQ Cook-off Kansas City, MO · held 1×	1× 2018	B TEAM BBQ MO	8	689.6456
Sonny's Smokin Showdown Orlando, FL · held 1×	1× 2018	IOWA'S SMOKEY D'S BBQ	49	710.8688
Colorado Rockies Invitational BBQ Championship Denver, CO · held 1×	1× 2014	GQUE	20	703.4060
Southern Pride Invitational Marion, IL · held 1×	1× 2013	4 SMOKIN' BUTTS	29	667.9998
Osceola County Sheriff's Office Smoke on the Range BBQ Invitational St. Cloud, FL	—	Smokin & Pokin	10	—
Simmons Energy Permian Basin BBQ cook Off Invitational Midland, TX	—	Key Energy Services	46	—
Holmes Drywall Grilling BBQ Contest Kansas City, MO	—	Love 2 Q	6	—

Who wins them

Invitational Grand Championships, counted once per contest. Power rank is where the team sits in today’s power rankings, which these wins do not feed.

Team	GCs	Reserves	Top 10s	Invited	Power rank
BUNCH OF SWINES	3	1	12	22	#87
CLARK CREW BBQ	3	1	7	21	#2
Heavy Smoke BBQ	3	0	8	24	#112
ROOTERS-N-TOOTERS TN	2	3	14	26	#9
GETTIN' BASTED	2	2	17	39	#8
IOWA'S SMOKEY D'S BBQ	2	1	15	35	#56
SCUFFLETOWN SMOKERS	2	1	10	25	#16
RAZORRACKS	2	0	7	24	#45
IQ - NETHERLANDS	2	0	5	7	#30
Fergolicious BBQ	2	0	5	19	#94
Cool Smoke	2	0	4	14	#273
B Team BBQ MO	2	0	3	3	#4,279
Ham Squad	2	0	2	8	#124
Kings BBQ Team	2	0	2	13	#105
SMOKIN SKULLIES	2	0	2	18	#251
TRIPLE H BBQ	1	1	5	23	#15
LOVE 2 Q	1	1	4	12	#515
Smoker Bandits	1	1	3	3	#814
MAN MEAT BBQ	1	1	3	20	#149
WOLF'S REVENGE BBQ	1	0	8	35	#244
LUCKY'S Q	1	0	6	15	#27
SMOKIN HOGGZ BBQ - MA	1	0	6	44	#26
HOT DADDY'S BBQ	1	0	5	9	#23
CHUNKY BBQ	1	0	5	17	#54
MEAT RUSHMORE BBQ	1	0	5	29	#547

The regulars

Most invitationals cooked, win or lose. Every one of these is an invitation earned, so for most teams this is the list that matters.

Team	Invited	Seasons	Best finish	Top 10s	Last
SMOKIN HOGGZ BBQ - MA	44	13	1	6	2026
GETTIN' BASTED	39	13	1	17	2026
IOWA'S SMOKEY D'S BBQ	35	14	1	15	2026
WOLF'S REVENGE BBQ	35	11	1	8	2026
THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE SMOKE	29	13	7	2	2026
MUTTLEY CREW BBQ	29	9	2	3	2026
MEAT RUSHMORE BBQ	29	8	1	5	2026
LOCAL YOKELS BBQ	27	8	1	2	2026
ROOTERS-N-TOOTERS TN	26	8	1	14	2026
SCUFFLETOWN SMOKERS	25	9	1	10	2026
SHIGGIN & GRINNIN	24	13	2	11	2025
SLAPS BBQ	24	11	2	5	2025
Heavy Smoke BBQ	24	9	1	8	2026
RAZORRACKS	24	8	1	7	2026
SHAKE 'N BAKE BBQ	23	14	2	11	2026
JANKY LEG BBQ	23	7	2	8	2026
TRIPLE H BBQ	23	7	1	5	2026
GOOD GOOGLY GOO BBQ	23	5	2	2	2025
BUNCH OF SWINES	22	12	1	12	2026
Organizer Portal	22	9	2	4	2025
CLARK CREW BBQ	21	10	1	7	2023
SMOKE THIS BBQ MO	20	12	4	1	2026
4 LEGS UP BBQ	20	10	3	3	2023
PORKY BUTTS BBQ	20	10	1	2	2026
MAN MEAT BBQ	20	8	1	3	2026

Best scores at an invitational

Overall totals on the four-meat board, out of 720. A score that didn’t win shows its place: in a field this good, plenty of them didn’t.

#	Score	Team	Contest	Finish
1	717.7144	Smoked & Furious	5th Annual KCBS World Invitational - OPEN Aug 11, 2023	1st
2	711.9888	CLARK CREW BBQ	National Head 2 Head Invitational Top 50 (Competitors Series) Oct 18, 2019	1st
3	711.9656	QUE U	American Royal World Series of Barbecue - INVITATIONAL CONTEST Sep 29, 2022	1st
4	711.4172	IOWA'S SMOKEY D'S BBQ	Grand American Barbecue World Championship (Invitational) (COMPETITOR SERIES) Aug 1, 2025	1st
5	711.4172	Kings BBQ Team	8th Annual KCBS World Invitational: Wells Cup, Cocktail Ancillary, Dessert Ancillary (Saturday, May 23, 2026) May 23, 2026	1st
6	711.4172	MAN MEAT BBQ	5th Annual KCBS World Invitational - OPEN Aug 11, 2023	2nd
7	710.8688	IOWA'S SMOKEY D'S BBQ	Sonny's Smokin Showdown (INVITATIONAL ONLY) Mar 2, 2018	1st
8	710.8684	Kings BBQ Team	Jack Daniel's World Championship Invitational Barbecue (Competitor's Series) (JUDGES BY INVITATION ONLY) Oct 10, 2025	1st
9	710.8344	ROOTERS-N-TOOTERS TN	American Royal World Series of Barbecue - Invitational Contest Nov 5, 2025	1st
10	710.8344	WAG'S BACKWOODS BBQ	8th Annual KCBS World Invitational: Master Series Invitational and the Backyard Series Invitational (Sunday, May 24, 2026) May 24, 2026	1st
11	709.7260	LOCAL YOKELS BBQ	6th Annual KCBS World Invitational - OPEN May 24, 2024	1st
12	709.7028	HOT DADDY'S BBQ	American Royal World Series of Barbecue - Invitational Contest Oct 30, 2024	1st
13	709.1200	TRIPLE H BBQ	American Royal World Series of Barbecue - Invitational Contest Nov 5, 2025	2nd
14	708.5716	LUCKY 19 SAUCE COMPANY	National Head 2 Head Invitational Top 50 (Competitors Series) Oct 18, 2019	2nd
15	708.5600	CLARK CREW BBQ	38th American Royal World Series of Barbecue (INVITATIONAL) Aug 31, 2017	1st

Every invitational on record

80 scored contests, newest first. Click a column head to sort.

Contest	Teams	Grand Champion	Top score
European Invitational Championship (COMPETITOR SERIES) Jul 17, 2026 · Wilhering, Austria · 17 teams	17	Smoking Butchers RC: COOKLOUNGE BBQ	695.9428
8th Annual KCBS World Invitational: Master Series Invitational and the Backyard Series Invitational (Sunday, May 24, 2026) May 24, 2026 · Lebanon, TN · 82 teams	82	WAG'S BACKWOODS BBQ RC: Phantom Smoke & BBQ	710.8344
8th Annual KCBS World Invitational - Youth Que Registration May 23, 2026 · Lebanon, TN	—	—	—
8th Annual KCBS World Invitational: Wells Cup, Cocktail Ancillary, Dessert Ancillary (Saturday, May 23, 2026) May 23, 2026 · Lebanon, TN · 117 teams	117	Kings BBQ Team RC: SCUFFLETOWN SMOKERS	711.4172
8th Annual KCBS World Invitational: World Rib Finals (Friday, May 22, 2026) May 22, 2026 · Lebanon, TN · 79 teams	79	K & E's Little Smokers	—
8th Annual KCBS World Invitational: World Chicken Finals (Friday, May 22, 2026) May 22, 2026 · Lebanon, TN · 74 teams	74	HOOS SMOKIN	—
Grand American Barbecue World Championship Invitational (COMPETITOR SERIES) May 1, 2026 · New Paltz, NY · 43 teams	43	Chunky BBQ RC: B'S QUE	706.8344
American Royal World Series of Barbecue - Invitational Contest Nov 5, 2025 · Kansas City, KS · 158 teams	158	Rooters-N-Tooters TN RC: TRIPLE H BBQ	710.8344
Royal Oak Invitational (COMPETITOR SERIES) (PRIVATE EVENT BY INVITATION) Oct 16, 2025 · Roswell, GA · 36 teams	36	Rooters-N-Tooters TN RC: Meat Candy Q	707.3828
Jack Daniel's World Championship Invitational Barbecue (Competitor's Series) (JUDGES BY INVITATION ONLY) Oct 10, 2025 · Lynchburg, TN · 90 teams	90	Kings BBQ Team RC: BOGGS HOG BBQ	710.8684
Grand American Barbecue World Championship (Invitational) (COMPETITOR SERIES) Aug 1, 2025 · Port Jervis, NY · 34 teams	34	Iowa's Smokey D's BBQ RC: PADDY MCQ'S	711.4172
7th Annual KCBS World Invitational (Sunday, May 25, 2025) May 25, 2025 · Lebanon, TN · 70 teams	70	Scuffletown Smokers RC: ROOTERS-N-TOOTERS TN	707.3828
7th Annual KCBS World Invitational (Saturday, May 24, 2025) May 24, 2025 · Lebanon, TN · 106 teams	106	Meat Me In St. Louis RC: SmokinGhost BBQ	705.6800
7th Annual KCBS World Invitational Anything Molasses (Friday, May 23, 2025) May 23, 2025 · Lebanon, TN	—	—	—
7th Annual KCBS World Invitational Ribs (Friday, May 23, 2025) May 23, 2025 · Lebanon, TN · 55 teams	55	Scuffletown Smokers	—
7th Annual KCBS World Invitational Chicken (Friday, May 23, 2025) May 23, 2025 · Lebanon, TN · 43 teams	43	Take It Easy BBQ	—
American Royal World Series of Barbecue - Invitational Contest Oct 30, 2024 · Kansas City, KS · 169 teams	169	Hot Daddy's BBQ RC: Smoke Central BBQ	709.7028
Royal Oak Invitational (COMPETITOR SERIES) (PRIVATE EVENT BY INVITATION) Oct 17, 2024 · Roswell, GA · 33 teams	33	SMOKIN SKULLIES RC: SHIGGIN & GRINNIN	708.5372
Jack Daniel's World Championship Invitational Barbecue (Competitor's Series) (JUDGES BY INVITATION ONLY) Oct 11, 2024 · Lynchburg, TN · 87 teams	87	Scuffletown Smokers RC: JANKY LEG BBQ	702.8228
6th Annual KCBS World Invitational - BACKYARD SERIES INVITATIONAL May 25, 2024 · Lebanon, TN · 47 teams	47	Bushwood BBQ RC: Smoke This Drink That BBQ	—
6th Annual KCBS World Invitational - MASTER SERIES INVITATIONAL May 25, 2024 · Lebanon, TN · 81 teams	81	Razorracks RC: Glamping Grillers	708.5488
6th Annual KCBS World Invitational - OPEN May 24, 2024 · Lebanon, TN · 118 teams	118	Local Yokels BBQ RC: ZIPS BBQ	709.7260
Royal Oak Invitational (COMPETITOR SERIES) (PRIVATE EVENT BY INVITATION) Oct 20, 2023 · Roswell, GA · 35 teams	35	RAZORRACKS RC: KERRIS HUNTER	708.5372
Jack Daniel's World Championship Invitational Barbecue (Competitor's Series) (JUDGES BY INVITATION ONLY) Oct 13, 2023 · Lynchburg, TN · 81 teams	81	Uncle Pig's Barbeque Pit RC: B'Mackin BBQ	699.4056
American Royal World Series of Barbecue - Invitational Contest Sep 27, 2023 · Kansas City, KS · 211 teams	211	FIRE AT THE END OF THE DAY RC: Damn Fine Beef & Swine	706.8572
5th Annual KCBS World Invitational - BACKYARD SERIES INVITATIONAL Aug 12, 2023 · Mayetta, KS · 29 teams	29	Wrecking Crew BBQ RC: T Daddys BBQ	—
5th Annual KCBS World Invitational - MASTER SERIES INVITATIONAL Aug 12, 2023 · Mayetta, KS · 62 teams	62	Man Meat BBQ RC: JANKY LEG BBQ	708.5256
5th Annual KCBS World Invitational - OPEN Aug 11, 2023 · Mayetta, KS · 90 teams	90	Smoked & Furious RC: MAN MEAT BBQ	717.7144
4th Annual KCBS World Invitational - BACKYARD SERIES INVITATIONAL Nov 12, 2022 · Gadsden, AL · 49 teams	49	Ham Squad RC: HICKORY HANGOVER	—
4th Annual KCBS World Invitational - MASTER SERIES INVITATIONAL Nov 12, 2022 · Gadsden, AL · 61 teams	61	Smokin' Sweetmeats RC: Organizer Portal	708.5372
4th Annual KCBS World Invitational - OPEN Nov 11, 2022 · Gadsden, AL · 91 teams	91	Cocamoke Smoke BBQ RC: WEQ4U	702.2516
Royal Oak Invitational Only (COMPETITOR SERIES) Oct 21, 2022 · Roswell, GA · 35 teams	35	FERGOLICIOUS BBQ RC: RUB MY RACK	708.5488
Jack Daniel's World Championship Invitational Barbecue (Competitor's Series) (JUDGES BY INVITATION ONLY) Oct 14, 2022 · Lynchburg, TN · 83 teams	83	Heavy Smoke BBQ RC: GOOD GOOGLY GOO BBQ	703.4056
American Royal World Series of Barbecue - INVITATIONAL CONTEST Sep 29, 2022 · Kansas City, KS · 249 teams	249	QUE U RC: Bushmaster BBQ	711.9656
Bourbon Capital BBQ Challenge & Distillers' Row Invitational Jun 10, 2022 · New Haven, KY · 17 teams	17	Tire Smoke BBQ RC: ROOTERS-N-TOOTERS TN	702.2400
3rd Annual KCBS World Invitational - Master Invitational Nov 13, 2021 · Shawnee, OK · 92 teams	92	FERGOLICIOUS BBQ RC: Organizer Portal	706.8228
3rd Annual KCBS World Invitational - Backyard Nov 12, 2021 · Shawnee, OK · 33 teams	33	Sweet & Savory BBQ RC: LEM'S MEAT VARNISH	—
3rd Annual KCBS World Invitational - Ancillary Nov 11, 2021 · Shawnee, OK	—	—	—
3rd Annual KCBS World Invitational - Open Nov 11, 2021 · Shawnee, OK · 111 teams	111	Heavy Smoke BBQ RC: GETTIN' BASTED	705.1428
Royal Oak Invitational Only (COMPETITOR SERIES) Oct 15, 2021 · Roswell, GA · 34 teams	34	SMOKIN SKULLIES RC: MUTTLEY CREW BBQ	702.2400
32nd Annual Jack Daniel's World Championship Invitational Barbecue (Competitor's Series) (JUDGES BY INVITATION ONLY) Oct 8, 2021 · Lynchburg, TN · 70 teams	70	Gettin' Basted RC: SLAPS BBQ	703.4172
American Royal World Series of Barbecue-INVITATIONAL CONTEST Sep 16, 2021 · Kansas City, KS · 185 teams	185	TRIPLE H BBQ RC: SIN CIRCLE BBQ	708.5372
Second Annual KCBS World Invitational Barbeque Competition Nov 13, 2020 · Mayetta, KS · 94 teams	94	Smoking Butt Heads RC: IOWA'S SMOKEY D'S BBQ	708.5600
31st Annual Jack Daniels World Championship Invitational Barbecue (JUDGES FULL) (COMPETITORS SERIES) Oct 25, 2019 · Lynchburg, TN · 97 teams	97	Clark Crew BBQ RC: Shake 'n Bake BBQ	705.1544
National Head 2 Head Invitational Top 50 (Competitors Series) Oct 18, 2019 · Great Bend, KS · 7 teams	7	Clark Crew BBQ RC: LUCKY 19 SAUCE COMPANY	711.9888
Royal Oak Invitational Only (COMPETITOR SERIES) Oct 18, 2019 · Roswell, GA · 32 teams	32	WOLF'S REVENGE BBQ RC: MUTTLEY CREW BBQ	699.3712
40th American Royal World Series of Barbecue- INVITATIONAL CONTEST Sep 12, 2019 · Kansas City, KS · 135 teams	135	Mudville BBQ RC: GETTIN' BASTED	706.2516
Brew N Q Invitational May 24, 2019 · Leicestershire, United Kingdom · 26 teams	26	BUNCH OF SWINES RC: UNCLE TONY'S COCKNEY Q	679.9772
UMB Smokin Vault BBQ Contest (Invitational Competitor's Series) May 3, 2019 · Kansas City, MO · 16 teams	16	MEAT RUSHMORE BBQ RC: SUPERSWINE	687.3828
KCBS World Invitational Barbeque Championship Feb 8, 2019 · Little Rock, AR · 92 teams	92	HEAVY SMOKE STL RC: SHAKE 'N BAKE BBQ	703.9656
The Smithfield King of the Smoker (INVITATIONAL ONLY) COMPETITOR'S Series Nov 30, 2018 · Coachella, CA · 24 teams	24	GETTIN' BASTED RC: ONE2BBQ	699.3600
Holmes Drywall Supply BBQ Cook-off (INVITATIONAL ONLY GRILLING SERIES) Oct 2, 2018 · Kansas City, MO · 8 teams	8	B TEAM BBQ MO RC: RUBBIN BUTTS BBQ	689.6456
39th American Royal World Series of Barbecue (INVITATIONAL) Sep 14, 2018 · Kansas City, KS · 164 teams	164	BUNCH OF SWINES RC: ONE2BBQ	705.1200
PRIME UVE INVITATIONAL BARBECUE CHAMPIONSHIP Jun 30, 2018 · Gaiarine, Italy · 18 teams	18	BUNCH OF SWINES RC: BBQ+	695.3944
Brew N Q (INVITATIONAL) May 25, 2018 · Burton Upon Trent, United Kingdom · 24 teams	24	IQ - NETHERLANDS RC: SMOKE AND FIRE	690.9032
UMB Smokin' Vault (Competitors Invitational Only Series) May 4, 2018 · Kansas City, MO · 14 teams	14	DRUM DADDY BBQ RC: PARK AVENUE PORK	685.1084
Sonny's Smokin Showdown (INVITATIONAL ONLY) Mar 2, 2018 · Orlando, FL · 49 teams	49	IOWA'S SMOKEY D'S BBQ RC: SHAKE 'N BAKE BBQ	710.8688
The Smithfield King of the Smoker (INVITATIONAL) (JUDGES FULL) Dec 1, 2017 · Rancho Mirage, CA · 25 teams	25	PORKY BUTTS BBQ RC: SHIGGIN & GRINNIN	701.1428
38th American Royal World Series of Barbecue (INVITATIONAL) Aug 31, 2017 · Kansas City, KS · 129 teams	129	CLARK CREW BBQ RC: HOGLINE	708.5600
Prime UVE INVITATIONAL BARBECUE CHAMPIONSHIP Jul 1, 2017 · Gaiarine, Italy · 18 teams	18	BBQ LONGHORN RANCH HANDS RC: MISS PIGGY'S U.K.	694.8340
Brew N Q (INVITATIONAL) May 26, 2017 · Burton Upon Trent, United Kingdom · 26 teams	26	WHITE SQUIRREL BBQ RC: BRIGBOYS BBQ TEAM	684.0116
UMB Smokin' Vault (Competitors Invitational Series) May 5, 2017 · Kansas City, MO · 17 teams	17	SMOKER BANDITS RC: PARK AVENUE PORK	666.8116
The Smithfield King of the Smoker (INVITATIONAL) (Judges Full) Dec 2, 2016 · Rancho Mirage, CA · 24 teams	24	LUCKY'S Q RC: SHAKE 'N BAKE BBQ	701.1200
37th Annual American Royal World Series of Barbecue (INVITATIONAL) Oct 28, 2016 · Kansas City, KS · 180 teams	180	913 BBQ RC: SHAKE 'N BAKE BBQ	705.0740
Holmes Drywall BBQ Cookoff (Invitational Competitor's Series) Oct 11, 2016 · Kansas City, MO · 10 teams	10	SMOKIN BAD HABIT RC: LOVE 2 Q	691.9200
Prime UVE INVITATIONAL BARBECUE CHAMPIONSHIP Jul 2, 2016 · Gaiarine, Italy · 18 teams	18	IQ - NETHERLANDS RC: BUNCH OF SWINES	694.7884
UMB Smokin' Vault (Competitors Invitational Series) May 6, 2016 · Kansas City, MO · 24 teams	24	KC SMOKIN' SPORTS RC: SMOKER BANDITS	669.6116
King of the Smoker Invitational (JUDGES FULL) Dec 11, 2015 · La Quinta, CA · 24 teams	24	LITTLE PIG TOWN BBQ RC: JO-BAWB'S BBQ	706.8460
Holmes Drywall BBQ Cookoff 2015 (BACKYARD-INVITATIONAL) Oct 14, 2015 · Kansas City, MO · 12 teams	12	B TEAM BBQ MO RC: MAN VS QUE	669.6796
36th Annual American Royal World Series of Barbeque- Invitational Oct 2, 2015 · Kansas City, MO · 187 teams	187	THE SMOKING HILLS RC: PELLET ENVY	707.9888
Prime UVE Invitational Barbecue Championship Jul 4, 2015 · Gaiarine, Italy · 15 teams	15	BR.BQ RC: BBQ4ALL INTERNATIONAL	677.6684
35th Annual American Royal World Series of Barbecue Invitational Oct 2, 2014 · Kansas City, MO · 165 teams	165	SMOKIN HOGGZ BBQ - MA RC: DIRT ROAD BBQ	701.7028
Colorado Rockies Invitational BBQ Championship (Competitor's Series) Jul 25, 2014 · Denver, CO · 20 teams	20	GQUE RC: CLARK CREW BBQ	703.4060
Big Poppa Smokers - King of the Smoker (Invitational) (JUDGES FULL) Dec 6, 2013 · LaQuinta, CA · 24 teams	24	TIPPYCANOE BBQ CREW RC: PIGSKIN BBQ	687.9316
Jack Daniel's World Championship Invitational Barbecue (JUDGES BY INVITATION ONLY) Oct 25, 2013 · Lynchburg, TN · 97 teams	97	COOL SMOKE RC: A BOY & HIS BBQ	693.1200
34th Annual American Royal World Series of Barbecue Invitational Oct 3, 2013 · Kansas City, MO · 174 teams	174	COOL SMOKE RC: T-MAC SMOKIN	700.5256
Southern Pride Invitational (Competitor's Series) Jun 14, 2013 · Marion, IL · 29 teams	29	4 SMOKIN' BUTTS RC: Shake 'n Bake	667.9998
Osceola County Sheriff's Office Smoke on the Range BBQ Invitational (BACKYARD ONLY) — · St. Cloud, FL · 10 teams	10	Smokin & Pokin RC: Done Right Smokin'	—
Simmons Energy Permian Basin BBQ cook Off Invitational (BACKYARD ONLY) (JUDGES FULL) — · Midland, TX · 46 teams	46	Key Energy Services RC: Solaris Companies	—
Holmes Drywall Grilling BBQ Contest (INVITATIONAL ONLY) — · Kansas City, MO · 6 teams	6	Love 2 Q RC: Rubbing Butts BBQ Team	—

Season by season

Season	Invitationals	Teams	Biggest field	Best score
2026	7	224	117 KCBS World Invitational	711.4172
2025	9	355	158 American Royal Invitational	711.4172
2024	6	337	169 American Royal Invitational	709.7260
2023	6	345	211 American Royal Invitational	717.7144
2022	7	389	249 American Royal Invitational	711.9656
2021	7	351	185 American Royal Invitational	708.5372
2020	1	124	94 KCBS World Invitational	708.5600
2019	7	335	135 American Royal Invitational	711.9888
2018	7	257	164 American Royal Invitational	710.8688
2017	5	185	129 American Royal Invitational	708.5600
2016	5	235	180 American Royal Invitational	705.0740
2015	4	221	187 American Royal Invitational	707.9888
2014	2	173	165 American Royal Invitational	703.4060
2013	4	272	174 American Royal Invitational	700.5256

A contest is counted as an invitational when its listing calls itself one, which is the same rule that keeps it out of the power rating. That is an inference from a name, so it can be wrong. If you spot a contest that isn’t invite-only, or one that is and isn’t here, let us know. Data from the public results at kcbs.us. The month’s invitationals also run in The Smoke Ring.