SmokeSlam continues to hold the biggest purse in BBQ competition history of over $250,000
MEMPHIS, Tenn., May 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- SmokeSlam, 'The World's Ultimate BBQ Showdown', is proud to announce Rescue Smokers from Sycamore, GA is this year's Grand Champion of the second annual three-day festival judged by Memphis Barbecue Network (MBN). There were two rounds of judging - a preliminary round and a final on-site round. The preliminary round at SmokeSlam includes both a blind sample entry and on-site presentations. SmokeSlam had 76 teams compete, seeing a 35% increase in team entries from last year.
"After being in finals last year and forgetting to do something that we were required to do and getting third place in Hog, to get here again and have this opportunity, wow.
There is nothing like SmokeSlam 2025, baby!" exclaimed Pitmaster Robby Royal after the team's win.
Whole Hog, Ribs, and Pulled Pork category prizes were awarded across ten places per category, totaling $150,000 in prize money. Each 1st Place winner also received a Golden Ticket to the World Food Championships. Rescue Smokers walked away with $65,000 just for the Grand Prize and Pulled Pork wins. In each category, the winners received:
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5th Place winner - $5,000
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4th Place winner - $7,500
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3rd Place winner - $10,000
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2nd Place winner - $12,500
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1st Place Winner - $15,000
This year's top three MBN Winners:
Whole Hog
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Fireman John's BBQ
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Grind City Smokers
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Swineantology
Ribs
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Fireside Smokers
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Rebel Roaster Review
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Ole Booger Bear's BBQ
Pulled Pork
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Rescue Smokers
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Poker Porkers
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Swine Life BBQ
In addition to prize money, teams placing first through fifth received beautiful trophies forged down the road at The Metal Museum. Sixth through tenth place winners received a SmokeSlam medal also crafted at The Metal Museum.
The 2025 WFC Ancillary Champions announced Friday included Duck, Bacon, Beef, Wings, Poultry, Seafood, and Dessert. Category prizes were awarded across ten places per category, totaling $40,000 in prize money. Sanctioned by the World Food Championships each category winner also received a Golden Ticket to the World Food Championships.
2025 WFC Ancillary Champions:
Duck: Smokin' On The River
Dry Rub: Sweet Cheeks BBQ
Seafood: I Only Smoke When I Drink
Bacon: Hotty Totty BBQ Dream Team
Wings: BBQ Team
Poultry: Sicilian Smokers
Beef: Smoked N Spiced
Dessert: Hotty Totty BBQ Dream Team
Melissa Cookston's World Junior BBQ League returned with 42 kids who competed in four categories for a total purse of $25,000. Totally Bodacious BBQ was named Grand Champion and took home $12,500.
