SaucyRossyBBQ KCBS Helper

← The latest edition · The 2026 season page

The annual edition

Every sanctioned contest scored in 2026, through Oct. 3.

The season is still running: this edition grows every week until the last results of 2026 are in.

Covering KCBS-sanctioned contests

The Smoke Ring

Competition Barbecue’s Paper of Record

The Index

Annual edition · season in progress Saturday, October 3, 2026 Price: One Coffee

The 2026 Season in Review — so far

316 contests scored
3,607 teams competing
717.7144 top score, out of 720 PRAIRIE SMOKE & SPICE BBQ
8,124 team entries
199 different Grand Champions
73 first-time winners
138 won exactly once
583 perfect 180s
10,456 top-ten calls
876 new teams
43.7% of last year’s teams came back
157 biggest field
27 average field
702.35 average winning score
667.91 lowest winning score
4.17 average winning margin
3 settled by tiebreaker
60 states & provinces
23 countries
166 state championships
7 invitationals
90 reps at the table
2.3 contests per team
$1,975K in published purses
43 cancelled

By invitation only

Kings BBQ Team Wins the KCBS World Invitational

Best of 117 invited teams, with SCUFFLETOWN SMOKERS in reserve — a win for the record book that leaves the power rating alone.

By The Smoke Ring Staff

117
invited teams, one Grand Champion

LEBANON, Tenn. — Kings BBQ Team won 8th Annual KCBS World Invitational: Wells Cup, Cocktail Ancillary, Dessert Ancillary (Saturday, May 23, 2026), best of 117 invited teams; SCUFFLETOWN SMOKERS took reserve. An invite-only field, so it leaves the power rating alone and goes straight into the record book.

Across 2026, 316 sanctioned contests were scored, across 60 states and provinces, drawing 3,607 teams to the turn-in table. Judges made 10,456 top-ten calls and handed out 583 perfect 180s. 876 teams appear in the record for the first time. The top tens run on B1.

  • top score 711.4172
  • 7 invitationals in 2026
  • not in the power rating
Section ATeam of the YearA2

The KCBS points race, exactly as the Society publishes it — still being run. The official standings →

Master Series

  1. 1 JANKY LEG BBQ 2,682
  2. 2 B'S QUE 2,607
  3. 3 ROOTERS-N-TOOTERS TN 2,562
  4. 4 TRIPLE H BBQ 2,547
  5. 5 SMOKIN HOGGZ BBQ - MA 2,543
  6. 6 Colorado Bulldawg BBQ 2,521
  7. 7 Justice BBQ 2,431
  8. 8 Meat Candy Q 2,414
  9. 9 BBQ Hot Yard 2,404
  10. 10 SCUFFLETOWN SMOKERS 2,335

Backyard Series

  1. 1 DAWGS BBQ 1,356
  2. 2 PUDDLEDUCK BBQ 1,349
  3. 3 Rough Cut Q 1,340
  4. 4 Rollin Smoke BBQ 1,331
  5. 5 Rudes BBQ 1,316
  6. 6 Dogpatch Q 1,303
  7. 7 FENDER BENDER BBQ 1,302
  8. 8 All Smoked Up BBQ 1,286
  9. 9 Leaning Jowler BBQ 1,270
  10. 10 FIRE & SHINE BBQ 1,258

Category Teams of the Year: Chicken — ELJEFE SMOKE; Pork Ribs — BBQ Hot Yard; Pork — ROOTERS-N-TOOTERS TN; Brisket — SMOKIN' OUTLAWS.

Section AThe Year in BriefA3

The Team of the Year race

JANKY LEG BBQ Leads the 2026 Team of the Year Race

2,682 Master Series points so far, with B'S QUE the nearest challenger.

2,682 Master Series Team of the Year points

JANKY LEG BBQ leads the 2026 KCBS Master Series Team of the Year race on 2,682 points, ahead of B'S QUE.

  • Backyard: DAWGS BBQ
  • Chicken: ELJEFE SMOKE
  • Pork Ribs: BBQ Hot Yard
  • Pork: ROOTERS-N-TOOTERS TN
  • Brisket: SMOKIN' OUTLAWS

Score of the year

PRAIRIE SMOKE & SPICE BBQ Turns In the Year’s Best Card

717.7144 out of 720 at Throttled Up BBQ Throwdown — the highest Master overall scored in 2026.

717.7144 Master overall, out of 720

UPPER ONSLOW, N.S. — PRAIRIE SMOKE & SPICE BBQ put up 717.7144 at Throttled Up BBQ Throwdown — the highest overall of the year.

Hottest hand

Five Grand Championships in 2026 for Rough Cut Q

Nobody else in the field ran a hotter hand.

5× Grand Championships

Rough Cut Q took 5 Grand Championships in 2026.

They will not let it go

Three Straight at York County BBQ Festival for Dog Bite Barbecue

Every edition of York County BBQ Festival since 2025 has gone the same way.

3 in a row wins at this contest

DELTA, Pa. — Dog Bite Barbecue won York County BBQ Festival (Day 1) again — 3 straight editions of this contest.

  • 2025–2026
  • field of 25

First one ever

The Swine Doctor's BBQ Wins Its First, on the 76th Try

A first Grand Championship at First State BBQ Bash, after 76 contests in the record.

76th contest — and their first GC

MILFORD, Del. — The Swine Doctor's BBQ won their first Grand Championship at First State BBQ Bash, in their 76th contest in the data.

  • 25 Sep

Upset of the year

The Long Shot Comes In at Giant National Capital Barbecue Battle

The ratings gave Titans of BBQ a 6% chance, with SHAKE 'N BAKE BBQ the team to beat.

6-in-100 shot on pre-contest ratings

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Titans of BBQ won Giant National Capital Barbecue Battle over top-rated SHAKE 'N BAKE BBQ as the ratings underdog.

Also in 2026

Judges Hand Out 583 Perfect 180s

Six judges, every card a 9: 583 perfect 180s were handed out in 2026.

Decided by 0.0000 of a Point

NORALA BBQ TEAM edged Big James Kitchen by 0.0000 at Smoke on the Shores BBQ Championship.

SMOKEY D'S WANNABEES Back on Top After Eleven Years

SMOKEY D'S WANNABEES won Shenandoah ShenDig — their first Grand Championship since September 2014, after 28 contests without one.

Blind Fox BBQ Sets the Record at Smoke in the Spring

Blind Fox BBQ put up 709.7028 at Smoke in the Spring (OPEN FORMAT) — the best overall in 14 editions of the contest on record, past the old mark of 708.6060.

EFFIN'EH GRAY'S Takes Three of Four Meats at Alberta BBQ Festival

EFFIN'EH GRAY'S won 3 of 4 meats at Alberta BBQ Festival (chicken, pork and brisket), and the Grand Championship with them.

BBQ Hot Yard Climbs 160 Rating Points

BBQ Hot Yard gained 160 rating points across 18 contests — the biggest climb of the year.

73 Teams Win Their First Grand Championship

73 teams won their first Grand Championship on record in 2026 — the biggest of them Blind Fox BBQ at Smoke in the Spring (OPEN FORMAT), against 101 teams.

ROOTERS-N-TOOTERS TN Collects Eight Perfect 180s

ROOTERS-N-TOOTERS TN turned in 8 perfect 180s in 2026, level for the most of any team.

147 State Champions Crowned

147 state championships were decided in 2026. The biggest, The Great Lenexa BBQ Battle - Kansas State Championship (157 teams), went to Gettin' Basted.

Keij Smokin Hot Leads the Class of 2026

Keij Smokin Hot cooked their first contest on record in 2026 and won 1 Grand Championship — the best season of 876 new teams.

Nobody Was Steadier Than Justice BBQ

Justice BBQ finished ahead of 93% of the field on average across 12 Master contests in 2026 — the steadiest season of anyone with 10 or more.

DAWGS BBQ Tops the Backyard Board at Iowa State BBQ Championship

DAWGS BBQ put up 360.0000 on the Backyard board at Iowa State BBQ Championship — two meats, a different scale, and the same nerves.

Justice BBQ Runs Away With BBQ Fest Panama

Justice BBQ won BBQ Fest Panama by 17.0284 points over Grill and Chill — the widest winning margin of the year.

Brisket Was the Hardest Meat of 2026

Brisket was the hardest meat to score in 2026: it averaged 166.99, against 169.08 for chicken.

157 Teams Roll Into Lenexa

The Great Lenexa BBQ Battle - Kansas State Championship drew 157 teams, and Gettin' Basted won it.

316 Contests, Down 7% on 2025

316 contests were scored in 2026 so far, down from 338 at the same point last year.

ROOTERS-N-TOOTERS TN Cooks Its 400th Contest

ROOTERS-N-TOOTERS TN cooked their 400th contest on record at Smoke N for the Kids (Day 2), with 44 Grand Championships along the way.

It Took 702.35 to Win This Year

A Master Series win took an average of 702.35 in 2026, up 0.85 on 701.50 at the same point last year.

Nobody Hauled Further Than Bourbon & Blues BBQ

Bourbon & Blues BBQ cooked 36 contests in 2026 — nobody hauled the rig further.

GETTIN' BASTED Wins The Great Lenexa BBQ Battle - Kansas State Championship Without Winning a Meat

GETTIN' BASTED won The Great Lenexa BBQ Battle - Kansas State Championship without winning a single meat — their best category finish was 3rd.

A New Contest Opens in Lebanon

8th Annual KCBS World Invitational: Wells Cup, Cocktail Ancillary, Dessert Ancillary (Saturday, May 23, 2026) ran for the first time on record, drawing 117 teams, and Kings BBQ Team won it. Somebody put in the work to make a new contest happen.

COOKLOUNGE BBQ Takes Reserve Five Times

COOKLOUNGE BBQ finished second overall 5 times in 2026 without a Grand Championship — one place short every time.

13 Contests on One Friday

13 sanctioned contests were cooked on 1 May alone.

Missouri Hosts 32 Contests, More Than Anywhere

Missouri held 32 contests in 2026, more than anywhere else, with an average field of 29.

May Was the Busiest Month, With 65 Contests

May 2026 was the busiest month of 2026: 65 contests scored and 1,027 teams cooking. Read the May 2026 edition.

Charlie Brinza Works 35 Contests

Charlie Brinza repped 35 contests in 2026 — somebody has to run the table.

Section ABy InvitationA4

Every invitational of 2026. 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 73 teams won one for the first time on record — the 24 biggest fields shown

  1. Blind Fox BBQ Smoke in the Spring (OPEN FORMAT) Apr 10 · 101 teams
  2. Brooklyn L. - ShowMeNoSmoke Smoke in the Spring (OPEN FORMAT) Apr 10 · 101 teams
  3. POP A TOP COOKERS Danny Dietz Memorial World Championship Cookoff Sep 11 · 75 teams
  4. GOD'S COUNTRY BBQ 11th Annual Slab-O-Rama Barbeque Challenge Jan 16 · 53 teams
  5. Janky Leg Smoke on the Bricks Aug 7 · 52 teams
  6. Bucked Up BBQ All American BBQ Throwdown Jul 31 · 45 teams
  7. I Cinghiali BBQ Expo Master's Challenge Apr 11 · 42 teams
  8. ANNOINTED BBQ The Golden State Battle VIII Jan 30 · 41 teams
  9. PS I LOVE YOU BBQ Cedar Fest BBQ Cook Off Apr 10 · 41 teams
  10. All Smoked Up BBQ Rhythm & BBQ Festival (BACKYARD ONLY) Jun 19 · 41 teams
  11. The Swine Doctor's BBQ First State BBQ Bash Sep 25 · 39 teams
  12. Mike's Backyard BBQ 10th Annual Jimmy Jam BBQ Slam Jan 9 · 38 teams
  13. Poppin Smoke BBQ Cameron Elks BBQ Cook-Off (MASTERS and BACKYARD 1) Jul 10 · 37 teams
  14. American Fire BBQ & Grilling Supply Wings 4 Water 10 (COMPETITOR SERIES) Sep 10 · 37 teams
  15. Budget BBQ Smoke on the Falls Apr 3 · 36 teams
  16. Good News BBQ Smoke on the Plains BBQ & Music Fest Jun 12 · 36 teams
  17. Boggs Hogg BBQ Connecticut Barbecue Challenge Jul 18 · 36 teams
  18. Double Barrel Smokers Pitmasters in Paradise Apr 25 · 35 teams
  19. Navin's Backyard BBQ Torry Island BBQ Showdown Mar 20 · 34 teams
  20. BONE RUBBIN BBQ BBQ, Blues & Brews on the Bay May 23 · 33 teams
  21. Shiggin & Grinnn KTD Smokn' Gobbler Jul 10 · 33 teams
  22. Southern Swine Ribs on the Ridge Feb 20 · 32 teams
  23. Rowdy Pig Smokin on the Osage BBQ Contest (Day 1) Jul 17 · 32 teams
  24. Kinley "Lil Hormone" Winter Smokin on the Osage BBQ Contest (Day 1) Jul 17 · 32 teams

The Rookie Class Teams whose first contest on record came in 2026 — 876 of them

The whole class of 2026 →

Section BThe Top TensB1

24 standings from the 2026 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 PRAIRIE SMOKE & SPICE BBQThrottled Up BBQ Throwdown 717.7144
  2. 2 Tuffy's BBQNorUt KCBS BBQ Championship 716.5716
  3. 3 Club Carbon CRCamino del Fuego 2026 716.0116
  4. 4 SCUFFLETOWN SMOKERSRockin' BBQ Warsaw, Indiana 714.8572
  5. 5 GETTIN' BASTEDNo Smoke, No Glory 714.8572
  6. 6 Colorado Bulldawg BBQNorUt KCBS BBQ Championship 714.2860
  7. 7 ROOTERS-N-TOOTERS TNSmoke on the Falls 714.2628
  8. 8 CROOKED PIGSBlue Compass RV BBQ Bash 713.7144
  9. 9 RAZORRACKSSouthaven Springfest 713.1316
  10. 10 Brinkerhoff BBQNorUt KCBS BBQ Championship 713.1316

Most Grand Championships

Contests won, counted once per contest

  1. 1 B'S QUE19 contests · 16 top tens 5
  2. 2 PUDDLEDUCK BBQ21 contests · 14 top tens 5
  3. 3 Rough Cut Q22 contests · 12 top tens 5
  4. 4 Cynical BBQ10 contests · 9 top tens 4
  5. 5 DAWGS BBQ16 contests · 12 top tens 4
  6. 6 ROOTERS-N-TOOTERS TN20 contests · 17 top tens 4
  7. 7 TRIPLE H BBQ21 contests · 12 top tens 4
  8. 8 JANKY LEG BBQ27 contests · 22 top tens 4
  9. 9 Colorado Bulldawg BBQ28 contests · 18 top tens 4
  10. 10 JDQ BBQ7 contests · 5 top tens 3

Most Reserve Championships

Second overall

  1. 1 Justice BBQ3 GCs · 15 contests 5
  2. 2 COOKLOUNGE BBQ0 GCs · 17 contests 5
  3. 3 B'S QUE5 GCs · 19 contests 5
  4. 4 Dogpatch Q1 GC · 19 contests 5
  5. 5 JANKY LEG BBQ4 GCs · 27 contests 5
  6. 6 BIGG SMOAK BBQ2 GCs · 19 contests 4
  7. 7 Leaning Jowler BBQ1 GC · 19 contests 4
  8. 8 IOWA'S SMOKEY D'S BBQ0 GCs · 26 contests 4
  9. 9 Colorado Bulldawg BBQ4 GCs · 28 contests 4
  10. 10 Rollin Smoke BBQ1 GC · 28 contests 4

Most Top-Ten Finishes

Top ten overall

  1. 1 JANKY LEG BBQof 27 contests 22
  2. 2 SMOKIN HOGGZ BBQ - MAof 30 contests 19
  3. 3 Colorado Bulldawg BBQof 28 contests 18
  4. 4 MAN MEAT BBQof 31 contests 18
  5. 5 ROOTERS-N-TOOTERS TNof 20 contests 17
  6. 6 Rollin Smoke BBQof 28 contests 17
  7. 7 BrewsCueof 31 contests 17
  8. 8 BBQ Hot Yardof 34 contests 17
  9. 9 B'S QUEof 19 contests 16
  10. 10 COOKLOUNGE BBQof 17 contests 15

Most Calls

Top-ten finishes in the four meats

  1. 1 BBQ Hot Yard34 contests 74
  2. 2 JANKY LEG BBQ27 contests 67
  3. 3 SMOKIN HOGGZ BBQ - MA30 contests 66
  4. 4 BrewsCue31 contests 55
  5. 5 COOKLOUNGE BBQ17 contests 53
  6. 6 B'S QUE19 contests 53
  7. 7 Colorado Bulldawg BBQ28 contests 52
  8. 8 MAN MEAT BBQ31 contests 52
  9. 9 Justice BBQ15 contests 44
  10. 10 OLD VIRGINIA SMOKE34 contests 44

Most Category Wins

First place in a meat

  1. 1 BBQ Hot Yard34 contests 15
  2. 2 BUNCH OF SWINES13 contests 10
  3. 3 B'S QUE19 contests 10
  4. 4 Colorado Bulldawg BBQ28 contests 10
  5. 5 SMOKIN HOGGZ BBQ - MA30 contests 10
  6. 6 Meat Candy Q19 contests 9
  7. 7 COOKLOUNGE BBQ17 contests 8
  8. 8 SMOKIN' OUTLAWS18 contests 8
  9. 9 Cynical BBQ10 contests 7
  10. 10 Smoking Butcher13 contests 7

Most Perfect 180s

Six judges, every card a nine

  1. 1 ROOTERS-N-TOOTERS TN20 contests 8
  2. 2 TRIPLE H BBQ21 contests 8
  3. 3 Cynical BBQ10 contests 6
  4. 4 SCUFFLETOWN SMOKERS15 contests 6
  5. 5 Colorado Bulldawg BBQ28 contests 6
  6. 6 SMOKIN HOGGZ BBQ - MA30 contests 6
  7. 7 FIRE DANCER BBQ10 contests 5
  8. 8 SWIG-N-PIG11 contests 5
  9. 9 Kings BBQ Team14 contests 5
  10. 10 Brinkerhoff BBQ15 contests 5

Best Average Score

Master overall, 8+ contests

  1. 1 SCUFFLETOWN SMOKERS12 contests 701.81
  2. 2 Cynical BBQ10 contests 701.49
  3. 3 JANKY LEG BBQ26 contests 699.61
  4. 4 Kings BBQ Team11 contests 699.12
  5. 5 ROOTERS-N-TOOTERS TN20 contests 699.02
  6. 6 Kermit's Ex13 contests 698.92
  7. 7 LOCAL YOKELS BBQ8 contests 698.17
  8. 8 TRIPLE H BBQ20 contests 698.13
  9. 9 SMOKIN' VOLTS BBQ10 contests 697.56
  10. 10 RAZORRACKS15 contests 697.31

Most Consistent

Share of the field beaten, 10+ contests

  1. 1 Justice BBQ12 contests 93%
  2. 2 SCUFFLETOWN SMOKERS12 contests 90%
  3. 3 JANKY LEG BBQ26 contests 89%
  4. 4 B'S QUE17 contests 89%
  5. 5 Cynical BBQ10 contests 89%
  6. 6 BOGGS HOG BBQ10 contests 87%
  7. 7 ROOTERS-N-TOOTERS TN20 contests 86%
  8. 8 SMOKIN HOGGZ BBQ - MA22 contests 85%
  9. 9 SMOKIN' OUTLAWS14 contests 84%
  10. 10 SMOKIN' VOLTS BBQ10 contests 84%

Most Contests Cooked

Contests entered

  1. 1 Bourbon & Blues BBQ0 GCs · 18 states 36
  2. 2 BBQ Hot Yard3 GCs · 4 states 34
  3. 3 OLD VIRGINIA SMOKE2 GCs · 12 states 34
  4. 4 Buckeye Blue Smoke BBQ0 GCs · 11 states 34
  5. 5 BrewsCue1 GC · 16 states 31
  6. 6 MAN MEAT BBQ0 GCs · 11 states 31
  7. 7 SMOKIN HOGGZ BBQ - MA3 GCs · 14 states 30
  8. 8 BEER TIME BBQ1 GC · 8 states 29
  9. 9 ELJEFE SMOKE1 GC · 9 states 29
  10. 10 Colorado Bulldawg BBQ4 GCs · 16 states 28

Most States Cooked In

States and provinces

  1. 1 Bourbon & Blues BBQ36 contests 18
  2. 2 BrewsCue31 contests 16
  3. 3 Colorado Bulldawg BBQ28 contests 16
  4. 4 SMOKIN HOGGZ BBQ - MA30 contests 14
  5. 5 IOWA'S SMOKEY D'S BBQ26 contests 13
  6. 6 ROOTERS-N-TOOTERS TN20 contests 13
  7. 7 OLD VIRGINIA SMOKE34 contests 12
  8. 8 Buckeye Blue Smoke BBQ34 contests 11
  9. 9 MAN MEAT BBQ31 contests 11
  10. 10 BBQ Maestros27 contests 11

Biggest Rating Climbs

Power rating gained over the season

  1. 1 BBQ Hot Yard18 rated contests · now #780 +160
  2. 2 B'S QUE17 rated contests · now #232 +148
  3. 3 All Smoked Up BBQ19 rated contests · now #527 +115
  4. 4 Kick Ash BBQ8 rated contests · now #1,223 +108
  5. 5 Smoke N Poke BBQ13 rated contests · now #1,023 +103
  6. 6 SMOKIN E'S BBQ14 rated contests · now #636 +103
  7. 7 Clean Smoke BBQ Team18 rated contests · now #1,082 +103
  8. 8 Smoked By The Brooks10 rated contests · now #1,008 +92
  9. 9 Skinny Pig BBQ17 rated contests · now #488 +92
  10. 10 BBQ Maestros20 rated contests · now #498 +91

Best Rookie Seasons

First contest on record this season

  1. 1 Keij Smokin Hot6 contests · best 696.55 1 GC
  2. 2 HevyQue BBQ5 contests · best 676.45 1 GC
  3. 3 Baptized by Smoke4 contests 1 GC
  4. 4 Beaver Field BBQ3 contests · best 699.36 1 GC
  5. 5 Smoking Butchers2 contests · best 695.94 1 GC
  6. 6 The King & His Q2 contests · best 694.26 1 GC
  7. 7 ANNOINTED BBQ1 contest 1 GC
  8. 8 BAD ASH1 contest 1 GC
  9. 9 BULL IN THE RING BBQ1 contest · best 704.53 1 GC
  10. 10 Boggs Hogg BBQ1 contest · best 702.30 1 GC

Best Chicken

Out of 180

  1. 1 Optimus Swine10th Annual Jimmy Jam BBQ Slam 180.0000
  2. 2 Rollin Smoke BBQ10th Annual Jimmy Jam BBQ Slam 180.0000
  3. 3 GLAZED AND INFUSED NEW JERSEY BBQLakeland Pig Festival 180.0000
  4. 4 SMOKIN HOGGZ BBQ - MALakeland Pig Festival 180.0000
  5. 5 Stewey Magoos BBQLakeland Pig Festival 180.0000
  6. 6 Poppa PigThe Golden State Battle VIII 180.0000
  7. 7 Burnin and LootinThe Golden State Battle VIII 180.0000
  8. 8 Kings BBQ TeamRibs on the Ridge 180.0000
  9. 9 Optimus SwineMission Farms - King of the Farm 180.0000
  10. 10 WEEZ'S GROOVIN' BBQSip & Swine BBQ Festival 180.0000

Best Pork Ribs

Out of 180

  1. 1 Smoke Central BBQ10th Annual Jimmy Jam BBQ Slam 180.0000
  2. 2 Mike's Backyard BBQ10th Annual Jimmy Jam BBQ Slam 180.0000
  3. 3 Big & Ugly BBQ10th Annual Jimmy Jam BBQ Slam 180.0000
  4. 4 GOD'S COUNTRY BBQ11th Annual Slab-O-Rama Barbeque Challenge 180.0000
  5. 5 Rollin Smoke BBQLakeland Pig Festival 180.0000
  6. 6 B' Mackin BBQBBQ & Brew Festival 180.0000
  7. 7 ZIPS BBQMission Farms - King of the Farm 180.0000
  8. 8 Smoking ButcherW.E.S.T. - Winter Extreme South Tyrol 180.0000
  9. 9 LUNA SMOKE - ItalyW.E.S.T. - Winter Extreme South Tyrol 180.0000
  10. 10 Southern SwineFoley BBQ & Blues Cook-Off (BACKYARD ONLY) 180.0000

Best Pork

Out of 180

  1. 1 MAYA JANE BBQ CO.10th Annual Jimmy Jam BBQ Slam 180.0000
  2. 2 Smoke Central BBQ10th Annual Jimmy Jam BBQ Slam 180.0000
  3. 3 SLINGIN MEATS11th Annual Slab-O-Rama Barbeque Challenge 180.0000
  4. 4 Uncle Jesse's BBQ11th Annual Slab-O-Rama Barbeque Challenge 180.0000
  5. 5 IOWA'S SMOKEY D'S BBQLakeland Pig Festival 180.0000
  6. 6 Barely Sober BBQLakeland Pig Festival 180.0000
  7. 7 Brinkerhoff BBQBBQ & Brew Festival 180.0000
  8. 8 SoCal Outlaw BBQBBQ & Brew Festival 180.0000
  9. 9 ROOTERS-N-TOOTERS TNSip & Swine BBQ Festival 180.0000
  10. 10 HOLD YOUR HORSES BBQSip & Swine BBQ Festival 180.0000

Best Brisket

Out of 180

  1. 1 GETTIN' BASTED10th Annual Jimmy Jam BBQ Slam 180.0000
  2. 2 MAR-B-QUE'S BBQ11th Annual Slab-O-Rama Barbeque Challenge 180.0000
  3. 3 Smokin' Ain't EZLakeland Pig Festival 180.0000
  4. 4 SMOKE SHOW MAFIAMission Farms - King of the Farm 180.0000
  5. 5 Smoky CotteVienna Pet Fair BBQ Contest 180.0000
  6. 6 Optimus SwineSip & Swine BBQ Festival 180.0000
  7. 7 Petie's Smokin Pits BBQUniversity of Arkansas Animal Science Boots, Brews, and BBQ Contest 180.0000
  8. 8 TRIPLE H BBQSmoke on the Shores BBQ Championship 180.0000
  9. 9 ALPINE SMOKE WORKSSmoke on the Shores BBQ Championship 180.0000
  10. 10 BLUE CHIP BBQSmoke on the Shores BBQ Championship 180.0000

Best Backyard Scores

Backyard overall, out of 360

  1. 1 DAWGS BBQIowa State BBQ Championship 360.0000
  2. 2 Big Fluff BBQReelin N Smokin Backyard BBQ Competition (BACKYARD ONLY) 360.0000
  3. 3 NORALA BBQ TEAMSmoke on the Shores BBQ Championship 358.8572
  4. 4 Big James KitchenSmoke on the Shores BBQ Championship 358.8572
  5. 5 Kick Ash BBQSmokin Ribs for the Kids (BACKYARD ONLY) (Contest 1) 357.7144
  6. 6 Southern SwineFoley BBQ & Blues Cook-Off (BACKYARD ONLY) 357.7028
  7. 7 PUDDLEDUCK BBQHigh on the Hog Festival (BACKYARD ONLY) 357.1544
  8. 8 Big & Ugly BBQJeepin 4 Justice 357.1428
  9. 9 Leaning Jowler BBQ8th Annual KCBS World Invitational: Master Series Invitational and the Backyard Series Invitational (Sunday, May 24, 2026) 356.5944
  10. 10 Mind if I Smoke?Singing River Smoke-O-Rama (BACKYARD ONLY) 356.5716

Biggest Fields

Teams at one contest

  1. 1 The Great Lenexa BBQ Battle - Kansas State Championshipwon by Gettin' Basted 157
  2. 2 Smoke on the Shores BBQ Championshipwon by Razorracks 125
  3. 3 8th Annual KCBS World Invitational: Wells Cup, Cocktail Ancillary, Dessert Ancillary (Saturday, May 23, 2026)won by Kings BBQ Team 117
  4. 4 Smoke in the Spring (OPEN FORMAT)won by Blind Fox BBQ 101
  5. 5 Smoke on the Shores BBQ Championship (ONE MEAT RIBS)won by Alpine Smoke Works 88
  6. 6 BBQ & Fly-In on the Riverwon by Triple H BBQ 83
  7. 7 8th Annual KCBS World Invitational: Master Series Invitational and the Backyard Series Invitational (Sunday, May 24, 2026)won by WAG'S BACKWOODS BBQ 82
  8. 8 8th Annual KCBS World Invitational: World Rib Finals (Friday, May 22, 2026)won by K & E's Little Smokers 79
  9. 9 Minnesota in Maywon by Burnt Trees BBQ 77
  10. 10 South Carolina Festival of Discoverywon by Cocamoke Smoke BBQ 75

Closest Finishes

Points between first and second

  1. 1 GOD'S COUNTRY BBQover Uncle Jesse's BBQ · 11th Annual Slab-O-Rama Barbeque Challenge 0.0004
  2. 2 Dog Bite Barbecueover Sailor Nicks BBQ · York County BBQ Festival (Day 1) 0.0116
  3. 3 Brinkerhoff BBQover Texas Smoke Whisperer · Dillon Days Blowin' Smoke BBQ Cook Off 0.0116
  4. 4 Bay 5 BBQover DAT'S BBQ · September Fest 0.0116
  5. 5 Brookside BBQover FIRE AT THE END OF THE DAY · Mass in May (Day 2) 0.0228
  6. 6 MEAN MOE'S BBQover SMOKIN HOGGZ BBQ - MA · La Classique - L'Entrepot de Viandes 0.0228
  7. 7 SMOKEY D'S WANNABEESover DRY 2 DA BONE · Cruisin' and BBQin' 0.0232
  8. 8 Cynical BBQover IOWA'S SMOKEY D'S BBQ · Meat & Tater BBQ Fest 0.0232
  9. 9 FRED VEGAS SMOKERSover Casual Smokers SC · Battle of the Blue Ridge 0.0344
  10. 10 TIRE SMOKE BBQover ROOTERS-N-TOOTERS TN · Buckeye BBQ Classic 0.0804

Biggest Winning Margins

Points clear of second

  1. 1 Loco Smokersover Rubbed The Wrong Way · IBEW So Cal BBQ & Chili Cook-Off (COMPETITOR SERIES) 29.10
  2. 2 BUNCH OF SWINESover BBQ Hot Yard · Smoke on the Waters - The Return! 2026 21.75
  3. 3 Justice BBQover Grill and Chill · BBQ Fest Panama 17.03
  4. 4 The Antwerp Smokersover BUNCH OF SWINES · Vaartse Hoeve BBQ Contest (Day 2) 16.03
  5. 5 The Antwerp Smokersover BBQ Hot Yard · Spitsbroek on Fire III 15.45

Biggest Upsets

The winner’s chance on pre-contest ratings

  1. 1 Titans of BBQGiant National Capital Barbecue Battle 6%
  2. 2 GRILLIN' GRINDESTri City BBQ Fest 9%
  3. 3 Rowdy PigSmokin on the Osage BBQ Contest (Day 1) 10%
  4. 4 Shiggin & GrinnnKTD Smokn' Gobbler 10%
  5. 5 STL-High on the HogKnox Co. 4-H/FFA Ring of Smoke 11%
  6. 6 Boggs Hogg BBQConnecticut Barbecue Challenge 11%
  7. 7 GOD'S COUNTRY BBQ11th Annual Slab-O-Rama Barbeque Challenge 11%
  8. 8 Bucked Up BBQAll American BBQ Throwdown 11%
  9. 9 Double Barrel SmokersPitmasters in Paradise 12%
  10. 10 Kick Ash BBQGreat River Threshers BBQ Contest (BACKYARD ONLY) (Day 2) 12%

Busiest Reps

Contests worked

  1. 1 Charlie Brinza 35
  2. 2 Jeanne Titus 33
  3. 3 Dave Rogers 28
  4. 4 Eugene Wickham 28
  5. 5 Sarah Wickham 28
  6. 6 Peg Rogers 25
  7. 7 Regina Bodnar 24
  8. 8 Larry Voth 20
  9. 9 Luca Famigli 19
  10. 10 Lynda Voth 19

Busiest States

Contests held · average field

  1. 1 Missouriaverage field 29 32
  2. 2 Kansasaverage field 44 27
  3. 3 Tennesseeaverage field 59 19
  4. 4 Illinoisaverage field 27 15
  5. 5 Pennsylvaniaaverage field 21 14
  6. 6 Iowaaverage field 24 13
  7. 7 Alabamaaverage field 27 12
  8. 8 Floridaaverage field 35 12
  9. 9 Albertaaverage field 20 11
  10. 10 Californiaaverage field 24 11
Section BMeat by MeatB2

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

MeatAverageAvg. winnerEntries180sper 1,000WinnersBest of the year
Chicken 169.08 178.46 8,397 223 26.6 243 Optimus Swine 180
Pork Ribs 168.21 177.94 8,982 90 10 254 Smoke Central BBQ 180
Pork 168.85 178.78 6,493 165 25.4 160 MAYA JANE BBQ CO. 180
Brisket 166.99 177.95 6,407 105 16.4 161 GETTIN' BASTED 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 6 353 708.5600 FRED VEGAS SMOKERS 63 Lakeland Pig Festival 21
February 6 129 707.4172 Kings BBQ Team 33 Mission Farms - King of the Farm 8
March 27 687 713.1200 RAZORRACKS 125 Smoke on the Shores BBQ Championship 71
April 34 792 714.2628 ROOTERS-N-TOOTERS TN 101 Smoke in the Spring (OPEN FORMAT) 61
May 65 1,027 714.8572 SCUFFLETOWN SMOKERS 117 8th Annual KCBS World Invitational: Wells Cup, Cocktail Ancillary, Dessert Ancillary (Saturday, May 23, 2026) 118
June 39 906 717.7144 PRAIRIE SMOKE & SPICE BBQ 157 The Great Lenexa BBQ Battle - Kansas State Championship 72
July 45 831 714.8572 GETTIN' BASTED 75 South Carolina Festival of Discovery 70
August 42 880 711.9772 TRIPLE H BBQ 83 BBQ & Fly-In on the River 65
September 52 1,065 716.5716 Tuffy's BBQ 75 Danny Dietz Memorial World Championship Cookoff 97
Section BThe Year Against the LastB4

2026 set against 2025, each counted through Oct. 3 so the comparison is like for like.

Measure20262025Change
Contests scored 316 338 ▼ 22 (-7%)
Teams competing 3,607 3,673 ▼ 66 (-2%)
Team entries 8,124 8,934 ▼ 810 (-9%)
Different Grand Champions 199 213 ▼ 14 (-7%)
Average field 27.4 26.6 ▲ 0.8 (3%)
Biggest field 157 159 ▼ 2 (-1%)
Average winning score 702.35 701.50 ▲ 0.85
Top score 717.7144 718.8572 ▼ 1.1428
Perfect 180s 583 524 ▲ 59 (11%)

Notes on the Season from the 2026 season page

  • Jan 9 → Dec 29 Season ran first and last contest on the 2026 calendar
  • 4.17 Average winning margin across 204 Master contests · 3 settled by tiebreaker
  • 10,456 Walks to the stage top-ten calls handed out in the four meats
  • 876 New teams first tracked contest anywhere was in 2026
  • 316 Contest series distinct recurring contests on the calendar
  • 13 contests Busiest weekend all on May 1, 2026
  • 90 Reps working KCBS reps on the season’s contests
  • Brisket Toughest table lowest average of the four meats at 166.99
  • 17 Outside the rating invitationals and non-points contests that do not move a power rating
  • 43 Cancelled contests that came off the calendar
  • 92 Results still out of 408 contests on the 2026 calendar
Section CBack IssuesC1

Every season in review, and every month with scored results, back to the start of the record. ← 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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