SaucyRossyBBQ KCBS Helper

← The latest edition · The 2024 season page

The annual edition

Every sanctioned contest scored in 2024.

Covering KCBS-sanctioned contests

The Smoke Ring

Competition Barbecue’s Paper of Record

The Index

Annual edition Tuesday, December 31, 2024 Price: One Coffee

The 2024 Season in Review

343 contests scored
4,370 teams competing
714.8572 top score, out of 720 Poppa Pig
10,672 team entries
219 different Grand Champions
88 first-time winners
145 won exactly once
587 perfect 180s
12,602 top-ten calls
1,192 new teams
49.8% of last year’s teams came back
444 biggest field
30 average field
700.83 average winning score
660.49 lowest winning score
3.89 average winning margin
5 settled by tiebreaker
55 states & provinces
14 countries
203 state championships
6 invitationals
96 reps at the table
2.4 contests per team
$2,177K in published purses
58 cancelled

Team of the Year

CHUNKY BBQ Is 2024 Team of the Year

2,734 points to top the KCBS Master Series standings, ahead of JANKY LEG BBQ.

By The Smoke Ring Staff

2,734
Master Series Team of the Year points

CHUNKY BBQ finished 2024 as KCBS Master Series Team of the Year on 2,734 points, with JANKY LEG BBQ second.

Across 2024, 343 sanctioned contests were scored, across 55 states and provinces, drawing 4,370 teams to the turn-in table. Judges made 12,602 top-ten calls and handed out 587 perfect 180s. 1,192 teams appear in the record for the first time. The top tens run on B1.

  • Backyard: WEEZ'S GROOVIN' BBQ
  • Chicken: ROOTERS-N-TOOTERS TN
  • Pork Ribs: Meat Candy Q
  • Pork: CHUNKY BBQ
  • Brisket: JANKY LEG BBQ
Section ATeam of the YearA2

The KCBS points race, exactly as the Society publishes it. The official standings →

Backyard Series

  1. 1 WEEZ'S GROOVIN' BBQ 1,404
  2. 2 Smokey Bees BBQ - MS 1,387
  3. 3 Electro-Que-ted 1,308
  4. 4 Leaning Jowler BBQ 1,294
  5. 5 Curly Bird BBQ 1,293
  6. 6 Mad Hatter BBQ 1,278
  7. 7 Rough Cut Q 1,276
  8. 8 Swine-O-licious BBQ 1,273
  9. 8 Rollin Smoke BBQ 1,273
  10. 10 Too Sauced BBQ 1,266

Category Teams of the Year: Chicken — ROOTERS-N-TOOTERS TN; Pork Ribs — Meat Candy Q; Pork — CHUNKY BBQ; Brisket — JANKY LEG BBQ.

Section AThe Year in BriefA3

By invitation only

Hot Daddy's BBQ Wins the American Royal Invitational

Best of 169 invited teams, with Smoke Central BBQ in reserve — a win for the record book that leaves the power rating alone.

169 invited teams, one Grand Champion

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Hot Daddy's BBQ won American Royal World Series of Barbecue - Invitational Contest, best of 169 invited teams; Smoke Central BBQ took reserve. An invite-only field, so it leaves the power rating alone and goes straight into the record book.

  • top score 709.7028
  • 6 invitationals in 2024
  • not in the power rating

Score of the year

Poppa Pig Turns In the Year’s Best Card

714.8572 out of 720 at 8th Annual Jimmy Jam BBQ Slam & Car Show — the highest Master overall scored in 2024.

714.8572 Master overall, out of 720

ELKTON, Fla. — Poppa Pig put up 714.8572 at 8th Annual Jimmy Jam BBQ Slam & Car Show — the highest overall of the year.

Hottest hand

Eight Grand Championships in 2024 for ROOTERS-N-TOOTERS TN

Nobody else in the field ran a hotter hand.

8× Grand Championships

ROOTERS-N-TOOTERS TN took 8 Grand Championships in 2024.

They will not let it go

Four Straight at Nor'Easter BBQ Showdown - Campground BBQ Series for GETTIN' BASTED

Every edition of Nor'Easter BBQ Showdown - Campground BBQ Series since 2023 has gone the same way.

4 in a row wins at this contest

SOUTHWICK, Mass. — GETTIN' BASTED won Nor'Easter BBQ Showdown - CAMPGROUND BBQ SERIES (Day 1) again — 4 straight editions of this contest.

  • 2023–2024
  • field of 25

First one ever

Wabash BBQ Wins Its First, on the 88th Try

A first Grand Championship at Smokin' in the Creek BBQ Contest, after 88 contests in the record.

88th contest — and their first GC

SUGAR CREEK, Mo. — Wabash BBQ won their first Grand Championship at Smokin' in the Creek BBQ Contest, in their 88th contest in the data.

  • 26 Apr

Upset of the year

The Long Shot Comes In at Riverland Smokers BBQ Contest

The ratings gave Just wing it BBQ team a 10% chance, with IQ - NETHERLANDS the team to beat.

10-in-100 shot on pre-contest ratings

6669 BZ DODEWAARD, — Just wing it BBQ team won Riverland Smokers BBQ Contest over top-rated IQ - NETHERLANDS as the ratings underdog.

Also in 2024

Judges Hand Out 587 Perfect 180s

Six judges, every card a 9: 587 perfect 180s were handed out in 2024.

Decided by 0.0000 of a Point

Colorado Bulldawg BBQ edged Meat Candy Q by 0.0000 at The Golden State Battle VI.

HotMess BBQ Back on Top After Eight Years

HotMess BBQ won Steel City Smokeout — their first Grand Championship since August 2015, after 50 contests without one.

WOLF'S REVENGE BBQ Sets the Record at New Holland Summer Fest

WOLF'S REVENGE BBQ put up 699.9428 at New Holland Summer Fest — the best overall in 11 editions of the contest on record, past the old mark of 698.8000.

Bushmaster BBQ Takes Three of Four Meats at Beat the Heat BBQ & Brews

Bushmaster BBQ won 3 of 4 meats at Beat the Heat BBQ & Brews (chicken, pork ribs and pork), and the Grand Championship with them.

Mad Hatter BBQ Climbs 179 Rating Points

Mad Hatter BBQ gained 179 rating points across 18 contests — the biggest climb of the year.

88 Teams Win Their First Grand Championship

88 teams won their first Grand Championship on record in 2024 — the biggest of them Cudd Energy Services at Permian Basin Barbeque Cook-off by Daniel Energy Partners (COMPETITOR SERIES), against 102 teams.

JANKY LEG BBQ Collects Twelve Perfect 180s

JANKY LEG BBQ turned in 12 perfect 180s in 2024, the most of any team.

201 State Champions Crowned

201 state championships were decided in 2024. The biggest, American Royal World Series of Barbecue - Open Contest (444 teams), went to Chunky BBQ.

Electro-Que-ted Leads the Class of 2024

Electro-Que-ted cooked their first contest on record in 2024 and won 3 Grand Championships — the best season of 1,192 new teams.

Nobody Was Steadier Than SWIG-N-PIG

SWIG-N-PIG finished ahead of 90% of the field on average across 10 Master contests in 2024 — the steadiest season of anyone with 10 or more.

Swine-O-licious BBQ Tops the Backyard Board at RTrowbridge Memorial Cook Flyin (BACKYARD)

Swine-O-licious BBQ put up 360.0000 on the Backyard board at RTrowbridge Memorial Cook Flyin (BACKYARD) — two meats, a different scale, and the same nerves.

Kings BBQ Team Runs Away With Back Porch Jam at the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds

Kings BBQ Team won Back Porch Jam at the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds by 20.0920 points over Accutech BBQ — the widest winning margin of the year.

Brisket Was the Hardest Meat of 2024

Brisket was the hardest meat to score in 2024: it averaged 165.71, against 168.06 for chicken.

444 Teams Roll Into Kansas City

American Royal World Series of Barbecue - Open Contest drew 444 teams, and Chunky BBQ won it.

343 Contests, Down 9% on 2023

343 contests were scored in 2024, down from 376 in 2023.

ROOTERS-N-TOOTERS TN Cooks Its 350th Contest

ROOTERS-N-TOOTERS TN cooked their 350th contest on record at Atlanta BBQ Store Classic, with 36 Grand Championships along the way.

It Took 700.83 to Win This Year

A Master Series win took an average of 700.83 in 2024, up 1.03 on 699.80 in 2023.

Nobody Hauled Further Than CHUNKY BBQ

CHUNKY BBQ cooked 49 contests in 2024 — nobody hauled the rig further.

CHUNKY BBQ Wins American Royal World Series of Barbecue - Open Contest Without Winning a Meat

CHUNKY BBQ won American Royal World Series of Barbecue - Open Contest without winning a single meat — their best category finish was 5th.

A New Contest Opens in Kansas City

American Royal World Series of Barbecue - Open Contest ran for the first time on record, drawing 444 teams, and Chunky BBQ won it. Somebody put in the work to make a new contest happen.

Smoke This Drink That BBQ Takes Reserve Four Times

Smoke This Drink That BBQ finished second overall 4 times in 2024 without a Grand Championship — one place short every time.

13 Contests on One Friday

13 sanctioned contests were cooked on 12 Jul alone.

Missouri Hosts 31 Contests, More Than Anywhere

Missouri held 31 contests in 2024, more than anywhere else, with an average field of 28.

May Was the Busiest Month, With 50 Contests

May 2024 was the busiest month of 2024: 50 contests scored and 1,137 teams cooking. Read the May 2024 edition.

Jeanne Titus Works 35 Contests

Jeanne Titus repped 35 contests in 2024 — somebody has to run the table.

Section ABy InvitationA4

Every invitational of 2024. Invite-only fields: their results go into every team’s record, and they don’t move the power rating.

The invitational circuit → · every invitational on record, who keeps getting invited, and who wins them.

Section AFirsts & RookiesA5

First Grand Championships 88 teams won one for the first time on record — the 24 biggest fields shown

  1. Cudd Energy Services Permian Basin Barbeque Cook-off by Daniel Energy Partners (COMPETITOR SERIES) Nov 5 · 102 teams
  2. Chillin & Grillin Texas BBQ Navy SEAL Danny Dietz Memorial Classic Cookoff Sep 13 · 67 teams
  3. K-Dubs BBQ Lakeland Pig Festival Jan 26 · 61 teams
  4. Steak Princess BBQ Sip & Swine BBQ Festival Mar 1 · 59 teams
  5. Cherry Anchor BBQ 9th Annual Slab-O-Rama Barbeque Challenge Jan 12 · 58 teams
  6. T-Dawg BBQ Boo-B-Que BBQ Championship (Day 2) (MASTERS and BACKYARD) Oct 26 · 56 teams
  7. Deviant Smoke WhistleStop BBQ Festival (BACKYARD ONLY) Oct 18 · 50 teams
  8. Wabash BBQ Smokin' in the Creek BBQ Contest Apr 26 · 44 teams
  9. BROCK'S BBQ BBQ Gives Back (Day 2) (Masters and Backyard) Mar 23 · 42 teams
  10. Stewbabys BBQ 18th Annual Boss Hog State Championship Cook-Off May 10 · 42 teams
  11. Rudes BBQ Bring'n Home the Bacon Day 1 (MASTER & BACKYARD) Jun 7 · 41 teams
  12. Sure Shot BBQ Cedar Fest BBQ Cookoff Apr 5 · 40 teams
  13. Blackjack bbq Horsetown Brew n' Que Festival May 31 · 39 teams
  14. Big James Kitchen Dr. George Smith BBQ Brawl (COMPETITORS SERIES) Apr 19 · 37 teams
  15. Up-2 BBQ Granite State BBQ Championship - CAMPGROUND BBQ SERIES Jun 1 · 37 teams
  16. Marty Party BBQ Bring'n Home the Bacon Day 2 (MASTER & BACKYARD) Jun 8 · 37 teams
  17. Jordyn Hayes Smokin on the Osage (Day 1) Jul 19 · 37 teams
  18. UMB Bank Wings 4 Water VIII (COMPETITOR SERIES) Sep 12 · 37 teams
  19. 1Bite Stand Kickin' It Route 66 BBQ (Day 1) Mar 22 · 35 teams
  20. The Legend of Melano 20th Annual Burnt Offerings BBQ Contest Jun 28 · 35 teams
  21. Two Pigs And A Smoker Trekking for CDH Sep 14 · 35 teams
  22. Pappy & Roleys BBQ, Boogie & Blues Apr 26 · 34 teams
  23. Braddah's BBQ Lodi BeerFest & State BBQ Championship Apr 26 · 34 teams
  24. Mr. Dudes BBQ Original SD BBQ Championships Jun 7 · 34 teams

The Rookie Class Teams whose first contest on record came in 2024 — 1,192 of them

The whole class of 2024 →

Section BThe Top TensB1

24 standings from the 2024 season. Grand Championships count once per contest; overall scores are ranked only against their own board’s scale.

Highest Scores

Master overall, out of 720

  1. 1 Poppa Pig8th Annual Jimmy Jam BBQ Slam & Car Show 714.8572
  2. 2 IOWA'S SMOKEY D'S BBQTorry Island BBQ Showdown 714.2744
  3. 3 JANKY LEG BBQEast Central Kansas State BBQ Championship 714.2744
  4. 4 Cherry Anchor BBQRoaring Camp BBQ Cook Off 713.7028
  5. 5 Piggin' WhiskeyMontana Pitmaster Classic 713.1544
  6. 6 JANKY LEG BBQSmokin on the Osage (Day 2) 713.1316
  7. 7 MUNNY'S STOVESmoke on the Plains BBQ & Music Fest 712.5944
  8. 8 SWIG-N-PIGChillin & Grillin in the Glades 712.5600
  9. 9 TRIPLE H BBQSmokin on the Osage (Day 2) 712.0116
  10. 10 MUNNY'S STOVESmokin' Saddles Double Header (Day 1) 711.9888

Most Grand Championships

Contests won, counted once per contest

  1. 1 ROOTERS-N-TOOTERS TN44 contests · 32 top tens 8
  2. 2 CHUNKY BBQ49 contests · 28 top tens 8
  3. 3 JANKY LEG BBQ31 contests · 26 top tens 7
  4. 4 WEEZ'S GROOVIN' BBQ16 contests · 11 top tens 6
  5. 5 Curly Bird BBQ27 contests · 18 top tens 6
  6. 6 WOLF'S REVENGE BBQ38 contests · 23 top tens 6
  7. 7 HOT DADDY'S BBQ20 contests · 14 top tens 5
  8. 8 Smokey Bees BBQ - MS21 contests · 15 top tens 5
  9. 9 GETTIN' BASTED25 contests · 16 top tens 5
  10. 10 Poppa Pig33 contests · 21 top tens 5

Most Reserve Championships

Second overall

  1. 1 COOKLOUNGE BBQ1 GC · 20 contests 5
  2. 2 Meat Candy Q1 GC · 24 contests 5
  3. 3 Uncle Pig's Barbeque Pit3 GCs · 45 contests 5
  4. 4 Smoke This Drink That BBQ0 GCs · 15 contests 4
  5. 5 Too Sauced BBQ3 GCs · 15 contests 4
  6. 6 Shiggin aint easy1 GC · 29 contests 4
  7. 7 Glamping Grillers1 GC · 32 contests 4
  8. 8 SMOKIN HOGGZ BBQ - MA1 GC · 34 contests 4
  9. 9 Off The Rack BBQ2 GCs · 35 contests 4
  10. 10 WOLF'S REVENGE BBQ6 GCs · 38 contests 4

Most Top-Ten Finishes

Top ten overall

  1. 1 ROOTERS-N-TOOTERS TNof 44 contests 32
  2. 2 Uncle Pig's Barbeque Pitof 45 contests 28
  3. 3 CHUNKY BBQof 49 contests 28
  4. 4 JANKY LEG BBQof 31 contests 26
  5. 5 Colorado Bulldawg BBQof 40 contests 24
  6. 6 WOLF'S REVENGE BBQof 38 contests 23
  7. 7 Piggin' Whiskeyof 46 contests 22
  8. 8 Poppa Pigof 33 contests 21
  9. 9 MAN MEAT BBQof 36 contests 21
  10. 10 Curly Bird BBQof 27 contests 18

Most Calls

Top-ten finishes in the four meats

  1. 1 Uncle Pig's Barbeque Pit45 contests 100
  2. 2 CHUNKY BBQ49 contests 99
  3. 3 ROOTERS-N-TOOTERS TN44 contests 87
  4. 4 Colorado Bulldawg BBQ40 contests 81
  5. 5 WOLF'S REVENGE BBQ38 contests 77
  6. 6 Piggin' Whiskey46 contests 74
  7. 7 Poppa Pig33 contests 72
  8. 8 Off The Rack BBQ35 contests 69
  9. 9 JANKY LEG BBQ31 contests 67
  10. 10 MAN MEAT BBQ36 contests 63

Most Category Wins

First place in a meat

  1. 1 CHUNKY BBQ49 contests 15
  2. 2 ROOTERS-N-TOOTERS TN44 contests 14
  3. 3 JANKY LEG BBQ31 contests 12
  4. 4 WOLF'S REVENGE BBQ38 contests 12
  5. 5 Colorado Bulldawg BBQ40 contests 12
  6. 6 Piggin' Whiskey46 contests 12
  7. 7 SMOKIN HOGGZ BBQ - MA34 contests 11
  8. 8 Curly Bird BBQ27 contests 10
  9. 9 Uncle Pig's Barbeque Pit45 contests 10
  10. 10 Backcorner BBQ11 contests 9

Most Perfect 180s

Six judges, every card a nine

  1. 1 JANKY LEG BBQ31 contests 12
  2. 2 ROOTERS-N-TOOTERS TN44 contests 11
  3. 3 CHUNKY BBQ49 contests 10
  4. 4 Smoke Central BBQ16 contests 9
  5. 5 Dr. Squealgood BBQ21 contests 7
  6. 6 GETTIN' BASTED25 contests 7
  7. 7 RAZORRACKS25 contests 7
  8. 8 Poppa Pig33 contests 7
  9. 9 MAN MEAT BBQ36 contests 7
  10. 10 Glamping Grillers32 contests 6

Best Average Score

Master overall, 8+ contests

  1. 1 SWIG-N-PIG10 contests 699.14
  2. 2 JANKY LEG BBQ30 contests 698.91
  3. 3 GETTIN' BASTED23 contests 698.53
  4. 4 TRIPLE H BBQ20 contests 698.26
  5. 5 Mulkey's BBQ12 contests 697.51
  6. 6 RAZORRACKS23 contests 697.10
  7. 7 SHAKE 'N BAKE BBQ9 contests 696.65
  8. 8 SLAPS BBQ17 contests 696.31
  9. 9 ROOTERS-N-TOOTERS TN43 contests 695.32
  10. 10 Poppa Pig32 contests 695.30

Most Consistent

Share of the field beaten, 10+ contests

  1. 1 SWIG-N-PIG10 contests 90%
  2. 2 SMELLAQUE11 contests 90%
  3. 3 HOT DADDY'S BBQ16 contests 89%
  4. 4 JANKY LEG BBQ30 contests 88%
  5. 5 Mulkey's BBQ12 contests 88%
  6. 6 BURNT TREES BBQ12 contests 87%
  7. 7 GETTIN' BASTED23 contests 87%
  8. 8 SLAPS BBQ17 contests 87%
  9. 9 TRIPLE H BBQ20 contests 86%
  10. 10 LC BBQ11 contests 84%

Most Contests Cooked

Contests entered

  1. 1 CHUNKY BBQ8 GCs · 16 states 49
  2. 2 Piggin' Whiskey4 GCs · 17 states 46
  3. 3 Uncle Pig's Barbeque Pit3 GCs · 11 states 45
  4. 4 ROOTERS-N-TOOTERS TN8 GCs · 19 states 44
  5. 5 Colorado Bulldawg BBQ4 GCs · 19 states 40
  6. 6 WOLF'S REVENGE BBQ6 GCs · 10 states 38
  7. 7 MAN MEAT BBQ3 GCs · 10 states 36
  8. 8 Bourbon & Blues BBQ0 GCs · 19 states 36
  9. 9 Off The Rack BBQ2 GCs · 11 states 35
  10. 10 SMOKIN HOGGZ BBQ - MA1 GC · 13 states 34

Most States Cooked In

States and provinces

  1. 1 ROOTERS-N-TOOTERS TN44 contests 19
  2. 2 Colorado Bulldawg BBQ40 contests 19
  3. 3 Bourbon & Blues BBQ36 contests 19
  4. 4 Shiggin aint easy29 contests 19
  5. 5 Piggin' Whiskey46 contests 17
  6. 6 Poppa Pig33 contests 17
  7. 7 CHUNKY BBQ49 contests 16
  8. 8 GOOD GOOGLY GOO BBQ33 contests 16
  9. 9 SMOKIN HOGGZ BBQ - MA34 contests 13
  10. 10 SmokinGhost BBQ32 contests 13

Biggest Rating Climbs

Power rating gained over the season

  1. 1 Mad Hatter BBQ18 rated contests · now #388 +179
  2. 2 Electro-Que-ted15 rated contests · now #138 +174
  3. 3 Rollin Smoke BBQ19 rated contests · now #164 +140
  4. 4 Too Sauced BBQ14 rated contests · now #236 +120
  5. 5 Curly Bird BBQ23 rated contests · now #444 +117
  6. 6 MUNNY'S STOVE15 rated contests · now #237 +116
  7. 7 T-Dawg BBQ10 rated contests · now #569 +109
  8. 8 Oink N' Doink BBQ16 rated contests · now #391 +107
  9. 9 Yardogs BBQ13 rated contests · now #474 +105
  10. 10 BBQ Pit Bros11 rated contests · now #518 +105

Best Rookie Seasons

First contest on record this season

  1. 1 Electro-Que-ted19 contests · best 667.85 3 GCs
  2. 2 Rough Cut Q15 contests 2 GCs
  3. 3 Yardogs BBQ13 contests 2 GCs
  4. 4 1Bite Stand8 contests 1 GC
  5. 5 Bucking Knockout4 contests 1 GC
  6. 6 East Bow Que3 contests 1 GC
  7. 7 Blue Falcon2 contests 1 GC
  8. 8 Two Pigs And A Smoker2 contests 1 GC
  9. 9 Braddah's BBQ1 contest 1 GC
  10. 10 Jordyn Hayes1 contest 1 GC

Best Chicken

Out of 180

  1. 1 FRED VEGAS SMOKERS8th Annual Jimmy Jam BBQ Slam & Car Show 180.0000
  2. 2 ELITE BBQ SMOKERS8th Annual Jimmy Jam BBQ Slam & Car Show 180.0000
  3. 3 Mad Dog BBQ8th Annual Jimmy Jam BBQ Slam & Car Show 180.0000
  4. 4 Poppa Pig8th Annual Jimmy Jam BBQ Slam & Car Show 180.0000
  5. 5 GOOD GOOGLY GOO BBQLakeland Pig Festival 180.0000
  6. 6 Glamping GrillersLakeland Pig Festival 180.0000
  7. 7 With a Perfect 180Ribs on the Ridge Brews & BBQ 180.0000
  8. 8 FRED VEGAS SMOKERSRibs on the Ridge Brews & BBQ 180.0000
  9. 9 BIG POPPA SMOKERSBest in the Southwest 180.0000
  10. 10 The Antwerp SmokersW.E.S.T. Winter Extreme South Tyrol 180.0000

Best Pork Ribs

Out of 180

  1. 1 Cold Beer BBQGrills Gone Wild 180.0000
  2. 2 Casual Smokers SCMission Farms King of the Farm 180.0000
  3. 3 MILL HILL BARBEQUE COMPANYSip & Swine BBQ Festival 180.0000
  4. 4 IOWA'S SMOKEY D'S BBQTorry Island BBQ Showdown 180.0000
  5. 5 WELL SAUCED BBQ6th Annual Qlathe BBQ Championship 180.0000
  6. 6 Damn Fine Beef & Swine6th Annual Qlathe BBQ Championship 180.0000
  7. 7 Smokey Bees BBQ - MSSinging River Smoke-O-Rama (BACKYARD ONLY) 180.0000
  8. 8 RED SMOKE BAR-B-QUEBBQ Gives Back (Day 1) (Masters and Backyard) 180.0000
  9. 9 ROOTERS-N-TOOTERS TNKickin' It Route 66 BBQ (Day 2) 180.0000
  10. 10 GETTIN' BASTEDKickin' It Route 66 BBQ (ONE MEAT RIBS) 180.0000

Best Pork

Out of 180

  1. 1 Smoke Central BBQ8th Annual Jimmy Jam BBQ Slam & Car Show 180.0000
  2. 2 Ramblin Fork BBQ Co8th Annual Jimmy Jam BBQ Slam & Car Show 180.0000
  3. 3 Tillman's BBQ8th Annual Jimmy Jam BBQ Slam & Car Show 180.0000
  4. 4 HESSHOGS8th Annual Jimmy Jam BBQ Slam & Car Show 180.0000
  5. 5 Cherry Anchor BBQ9th Annual Slab-O-Rama Barbeque Challenge 180.0000
  6. 6 Going Yard BBQLakeland Pig Festival 180.0000
  7. 7 Piggin' WhiskeyGrills Gone Wild 180.0000
  8. 8 BAD ROOSTER BBQMission Farms King of the Farm 180.0000
  9. 9 Casual Smokers SCMission Farms King of the Farm 180.0000
  10. 10 BBQ+W.E.S.T. Winter Extreme South Tyrol 180.0000

Best Brisket

Out of 180

  1. 1 Poppa Pig8th Annual Jimmy Jam BBQ Slam & Car Show 180.0000
  2. 2 Kings BBQ Team8th Annual Jimmy Jam BBQ Slam & Car Show 180.0000
  3. 3 SHENANIGANS BBQ9th Annual Slab-O-Rama Barbeque Challenge 180.0000
  4. 4 MAN MEAT BBQSJV Winter Rub 180.0000
  5. 5 Poppa PigRibs on the Ridge Brews & BBQ 180.0000
  6. 6 YES, DEAR BBQSip & Swine BBQ Festival 180.0000
  7. 7 Can Country Outlaw BBQKickin' It Route 66 BBQ (Day 1) 180.0000
  8. 8 MUTTLEY CREW BBQBBQ Gives Back (Day 2) (Masters and Backyard) 180.0000
  9. 9 Backcorner BBQSpitsbroek on Fire 180.0000
  10. 10 SUPER SWINELake Views & BBQ 180.0000

Best Backyard Scores

Backyard overall, out of 360

  1. 1 Swine-O-licious BBQRTrowbridge Memorial Cook Flyin (BACKYARD) 360.0000
  2. 2 NORALA BBQ TEAMChristmas on the River State Bar B Q Championship 358.8572
  3. 3 Deviant SmokeWhistleStop BBQ Festival (BACKYARD ONLY) 358.2972
  4. 4 Bushwood BBQ6th Annual KCBS World Invitational - BACKYARD SERIES INVITATIONAL 357.7144
  5. 5 Bad Influence BBQ - MOAmerican Royal World Series of Barbecue Backyard Contest 357.7028
  6. 6 Rollin Smoke BBQScottsboro BBQ Festival (BACKYARD & KIDS QUE) 357.7028
  7. 7 Electro-Que-tedBoo-B-Que BBQ Championship (Day 1) (MASTERS and BACKYARD) 357.7028
  8. 8 WEEZ'S GROOVIN' BBQSmoke on the Shores BBQ Championship 357.1428
  9. 9 Smokey Bees BBQ - MSSmoke on the Falls 356.5716
  10. 10 Smoke This Drink That BBQ6th Annual KCBS World Invitational - BACKYARD SERIES INVITATIONAL 356.5716

Biggest Fields

Teams at one contest

  1. 1 American Royal World Series of Barbecue - Open Contestwon by Chunky BBQ 444
  2. 2 The Great Lenexa BBQ Battle - Kansas State Championshipwon by Mulkey's BBQ 172
  3. 3 American Royal World Series of Barbecue - Invitational Contestwon by Hot Daddy's BBQ 169
  4. 4 6th Annual KCBS World Invitational - OPENwon by Local Yokels BBQ 118
  5. 5 Permian Basin Barbeque Cook-off by Daniel Energy Partners (COMPETITOR SERIES)won by Cudd Energy Services 102
  6. 6 Smoke in the Springwon by Burnt Trees 97
  7. 7 Smoke on the Shores BBQ Championshipwon by Continental Barbecue Co. 93
  8. 8 Jack Daniel's World Championship Invitational Barbecue (Competitor's Series) (JUDGES BY INVITATION ONLY)won by Scuffletown Smokers 87
  9. 9 6th Annual KCBS World Invitational - MASTER SERIES INVITATIONALwon by Razorracks 81
  10. 10 South Carolina Festival of Discoverywon by Hot Cole's BBQ 76

Closest Finishes

Points between first and second

  1. 1 ELJEFE SMOKEover SMOKIN HOGGZ BBQ - MA · Southern New England Barbecue Throwdown - CAMPGROUND BBQ SERIES (DAY 1) 0.0004
  2. 2 WYO SMOKE SHOWover SMOKIN' BOXERS BBQ · Miles City Cowtown Cookoff 0.0004
  3. 3 THE BBQ BUSover SHIGGIN & GRINNIN · BBCubed - Brighton Barbeque Bash 0.0004
  4. 4 3BBQover Dreamfire BBQ Team · BBQ Festival Vanamoisa, Estonia 0.0004
  5. 5 Piggin' Whiskeyover WOLF'S REVENGE BBQ · York County BBQ Festival (Day 1) 0.0116
  6. 6 Stewbabys BBQover FRED VEGAS SMOKERS · 18th Annual Boss Hog State Championship Cook-Off 0.0116
  7. 7 RAZORRACKSover Glamping Grillers · 6th Annual KCBS World Invitational - MASTER SERIES INVITATIONAL 0.0116
  8. 8 BAD ROOSTER BBQover YES, DEAR BBQ · Pigs & Peaches BBQ Festival 0.0116
  9. 9 ROOTERS-N-TOOTERS TNover Glamping Grillers · Atlanta BBQ Store Classic 0.0116
  10. 10 The BBQ Ranchover COOKLOUNGE BBQ · Farm Meat "De Vaartse Hoeve" Barbeque Contest (Day 1) 0.0228

Biggest Winning Margins

Points clear of second

  1. 1 Kings BBQ Teamover Accutech BBQ · Back Porch Jam at the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds 20.09
  2. 2 PARROTHEAD SMOKERSover Shiggin aint easy · Jack 9 Memorial 18.89
  3. 3 SweetMax BBQover CycloneBBQ · La Classique BBQ Labonte 17.75
  4. 4 Justice BBQover WEBEA ES LO Q HAY · Panama BBQ Fest 17.75
  5. 5 BBQ+over COOKLOUNGE BBQ · W.E.S.T. Winter Extreme South Tyrol 15.50

Biggest Upsets

The winner’s chance on pre-contest ratings

  1. 1 Just wing it BBQ teamRiverland Smokers BBQ Contest 10%
  2. 2 The good, the bad & the pitbitchesDe Vliegende Hollander BBQ Contest 2024 10%
  3. 3 Small Axe BBQLodi BeerFest & State BBQ Championship 11%
  4. 4 Cherry Anchor BBQ9th Annual Slab-O-Rama Barbeque Challenge 11%
  5. 5 Q CartelHill City Wine, Brew & BBQ 11%
  6. 6 GOOD GOOGLY GOO BBQGiant National Capital Barbecue Battle 12%
  7. 7 Kith n' KinSmoke on the Water 12%
  8. 8 Mulkey's BBQThe Great Lenexa BBQ Battle - Kansas State Championship 13%
  9. 9 Bears Backyard QSmokin on the Route 13%
  10. 10 DIG'N N PIG'NRed White & Que - CAMPGROUND BBQ SERIES (Day 2) 13%

Busiest Reps

Contests worked

  1. 1 Jeanne Titus 32
  2. 2 Charlie Brinza 29
  3. 3 Dave Rogers 28
  4. 4 Peg Rogers 27
  5. 5 Larry Voth 23
  6. 6 Bill Jones 22
  7. 7 Carol Bigler 22
  8. 8 Randy G Bigler 22
  9. 9 Lynda Voth 21
  10. 10 Alan Rothrock 19

Busiest States

Contests held · average field

  1. 1 Missouriaverage field 28 31
  2. 2 Kansasaverage field 64 26
  3. 3 Alabamaaverage field 28 22
  4. 4 Tennesseeaverage field 47 19
  5. 5 Georgiaaverage field 40 17
  6. 6 Indianaaverage field 32 17
  7. 7 Virginiaaverage field 24 16
  8. 8 Illinoisaverage field 30 15
  9. 9 Californiaaverage field 26 14
  10. 10 Oklahomaaverage field 15 14
Section BMeat by MeatB2

How each meat scored across the season, both series, out of 180.

MeatAverageAvg. winnerEntries180sper 1,000WinnersBest of the year
Chicken 168.06 178.22 10,671 211 19.8 251 FRED VEGAS SMOKERS 180
Pork Ribs 166.68 177.54 11,293 106 9.4 280 Cold Beer BBQ 180
Pork 167.72 178.24 8,757 158 18 206 Smoke Central BBQ 180
Brisket 165.71 177.94 8,348 112 13.4 185 Poppa Pig 180
Section BMonth by MonthB3

Every month of the season. Each has an edition of its own, with every Grand Champion named.

MonthContestsTeamsTop scoreBiggest field180s
January 4 316 714.8572 Poppa Pig 61 Lakeland Pig Festival 16
February 7 135 710.2628 Casual Smokers SC 29 Ribs on the Ridge Brews & BBQ 12
March 22 647 714.2744 IOWA'S SMOKEY D'S BBQ 93 Smoke on the Shores BBQ Championship 46
April 34 859 706.8460 Sure Shot BBQ 97 Smoke in the Spring 48
May 50 1,137 713.7028 Cherry Anchor BBQ 118 6th Annual KCBS World Invitational - OPEN 92
June 45 1,101 712.5944 MUNNY'S STOVE 172 The Great Lenexa BBQ Battle - Kansas State Championship 60
July 46 912 713.1316 JANKY LEG BBQ 76 South Carolina Festival of Discovery 85
August 42 950 714.2744 JANKY LEG BBQ 65 BBQ & Fly-In on the River 61
September 48 974 711.4288 RAZORRACKS 73 Shawnee Great Grillers 62
October 36 1,061 710.8228 CHUNKY BBQ 444 American Royal World Series of Barbecue - Open Contest 87
November 7 324 709.1200 GETTIN' BASTED 102 Permian Basin Barbeque Cook-off by Daniel Energy Partners (COMPETITOR SERIES) 7
December 2 107 705.1200 GETTIN' BASTED 74 BBQ Jackpot 11
Section BThe Year Against the LastB4

2024 set against 2023.

Measure20242023Change
Contests scored 343 376 ▼ 33 (-9%)
Teams competing 4,370 4,599 ▼ 229 (-5%)
Team entries 10,672 11,067 ▼ 395 (-4%)
Different Grand Champions 219 224 ▼ 5 (-2%)
Average field 30.1 29.3 ▲ 0.8 (3%)
Biggest field 444 487 ▼ 43 (-9%)
Average winning score 700.83 699.80 ▲ 1.03
Top score 714.8572 717.7144 ▼ 2.8572
Perfect 180s 587 487 ▲ 100 (21%)

Notes on the Season from the 2024 season page

  • Jan 4 → Dec 13 Season ran first and last contest on the 2024 calendar
  • 3.89 Average winning margin across 236 Master contests · 5 settled by tiebreaker
  • 12,602 Walks to the stage top-ten calls handed out in the four meats
  • 1,192 New teams first tracked contest anywhere was in 2024
  • 341 Contest series distinct recurring contests on the calendar
  • 16 contests Busiest weekend all on Sep 13, 2024
  • 96 Reps working KCBS reps on the season’s contests
  • Brisket Toughest table lowest average of the four meats at 165.71
  • 14 Outside the rating invitationals and non-points contests that do not move a power rating
  • 58 Cancelled contests that came off the calendar
  • 75 Results still out of 418 contests on the 2024 calendar
Section CBack IssuesC1

Every season in review, and every month with scored results, back to the start of the record. ← 2023 in review 2025 in review → Latest edition

Seasons in review: 2026 · 2025 · 2024 · 2023 · 2022 · 2021 · 2020 · 2019 · 2018 · 2017 · 2016 · 2015 · 2014 · 2013 · 2012

2026 316 contests

2025 386 contests

2024 343 contests

2023 376 contests

2022 376 contests

2021 310 contests

2020 134 contests

2019 430 contests

2018 480 contests

2017 517 contests

2016 505 contests

2015 494 contests

2014 469 contests

2013 436 contests

2012 1 contest

The Smoke Ring

Published by the Saucy Rossy KCBS Helper App, a free community tool from Saucy Rossy BBQ. Set by machine from the public contest listings at kcbs.us.

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Corrections

Every figure on this page is computed from published results — no editorial judgement, and no hand entry. The Team of the Year standings are KCBS’s own. Where a name is wrong or a contest is missing, it is wrong at the source or in the match: see About, or Scoring explained.

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The Smoke Ring is not a publication of the Kansas City Barbeque Society, and has no connection to it beyond reading what KCBS publishes. Every contest here links back to its official page.

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