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COMPETITION OVERVIEW
NOVEMBER 8-12, 2017
ORANGE BEACH, ALABAMA

The World Barbecue Championship will bring the greatest competition barbecue teams, cooks and chefs together in Orange Beach, AL, to settle the score and name the World Barbecue Champion. The World Barbecue Champion will advance to the Final Table and see if ‘America’s Cuisine’ will rule the world.

Choosing from all the major sanctioning bodies and an open registration process, The World Food Championships will accept the champions of the world’s premier barbecue competitions to compete in Orange Beach.

This year, the World Barbecue Championship will be open to at least 100 teams at this year’s event.  The WFC barbecue category continues to be a sanctioned KCBS event, making it possible for KCBS teams to earn those coveted Team of the Year points.

This allows the World Food Championships to have an open registration for the World Barbecue Championship for up to 50 teams. The remaining 50 spots will be designated as usual through select Automatic and Preferred Qualifiers and International Championships.

What will start as a host of the absolute best championship pitmasters will end up with just one winner… the World Barbecue Champion.

WORLD BARBECUE CHAMPIONSHIP
$10,000 GRAND PRIZE

Schedule and Rules

Competition Structure

The World Barbecue Championship features three rounds of competition.
Ancillary Categories:  competitors will compete for bonus cash in the ancillary competitions, points and scores do not apply to the overall championship.  
Competition Categories:  all competitors will compete in the World Barbecue Championship and turn-in various meats that will be defined in the competitor packet.  
Finalist Round:  the top ten competitors in the opening round will face off for culinary supremacy in a special barbecue-themed finalist competition.

2016 Competitor Packets

How to Qualify

The World Barbecue Championship will be limited to the first 100 entrants who are fully qualified, registered and confirmed. Any qualified entrant who wants to compete after the field is full must seek a special exemption from the WFC competition committee.

The following event is an International Qualifier for the 2017 World Barbecue Championship: 
Canadian Food Championships - Edmonton, AB Canada - 7/21/17-7/23/17

The following events are Preferred Qualifiers for the 2017 World Barbecue Championship: 
Barbeques Galore Australian Barbecue Championship Series Winner - Australia and New Zealand - 2016

Battle of the Bones
 - Central Point, OR - 9/15/17-9/17/17

BBQ Gives Back Grand Champion - Urbanna, VA - 3/24/17-3/25/17

Cumberland Plateau BBQ Cookoff & Cruise-In - Jamestown, TN - 7/8/17-7/9/17

Shotgun Fred BBQ Showdown - Huntsville, TX - 2/16/17-2/18/17

Taste of America - 1st Place - Online - 6/1/17-7/5/17

World Championship BBQ Goat Cook-off - Brady, TX - 9/1/17-9/2/17

The following events are Elite Qualifiers for the 2017 World Barbecue Championship: 
Wild Card Elite Division - Online - 4/5/17-10/1/17

The following competitions are automatic qualifiers for the 2017 World Barbecue Championship:

United States Events

Event Location Date
International BBQ Team InvitationsVarious Locations, USAug 30, 2017
Culinary Fight ClubVarious Locations, US
Culinary Fight ClubVarious Locations, USJul 1, 2017
Springer Mountain Farms Special Invitation - Heather SinyardUS
Rufus Teague Online Recipe Contest (BBQ qualifier)USAug 11, 2017
Waitlisted World Barbecue ChampionshipUSNov 8, 2017
Last Chance Golden Ticket (Jernard Wells' BBQ qualifier)USAug 15, 2017
Cowboy Charcoal Fire & Ice Women's Championship Barbeque SeriesUSNov 1, 2017
Boda Getta BBQAuburn, AL, USMar 4, 2017
BBQ & Blues Cook Off - Backyard OnlyFoley, AL, USMar 18, 2017
Corum's Building Center BBQ - Backyard OnlyHartselle, AL, USMar 18, 2017
Smoke on the Falls BBQ CompetitionGadsden, AL, USApr 7, 2017
Smoke on the Water Festival - Backyard OnlyFlorence, AL, USApr 29, 2017
Whistle Stop Festival & Rocket City BBQHuntsville, AL, USMay 5, 2017
2016 World Barbecue Champion - Luke DarnellOrange Beach, AL, US
2016 World Barbecue Championship - Top Ten - 2nd PlaceOrange Beach, AL, US
2016 World Barbecue Championship - Top Ten - 3rd PlaceOrange Beach, AL, US
2016 World Barbecue Championship - Top Ten - 4th PlaceOrange Beach, AL, US
2016 World Barbecue Championship - Top Ten - 5th PlaceOrange Beach, AL, US
2016 World Barbecue Championship - Top Ten - 6th PlaceOrange Beach, AL, US
2016 World Barbecue Championship - Top Ten - 7th PlaceOrange Beach, AL, US
2016 World Barbecue Championship - Top Ten - 8th PlaceOrange Beach, AL, US
2016 World Barbecue Championship - Top Ten - 9th PlaceOrange Beach, AL, US
2016 World Barbecue Championship - Top Ten - Tenth PlaceOrange Beach, AL, US
2016 WBC Open - Roy GriffinOrange Beach, AL, US
Sam's Club National ChampionshipBentonville, AR, USSep 30, 2016
Bikes, Blues & BBQFayetteville, AR, USSep 20, 2017
Fordyce on the Cottonbelt Steak Cookoff (BBQ competition)Fordyce, AR, USApr 17, 2017
Sticky Fingers BBQ CookoffFordyce, AR, USSep 8, 2017
Santa Anita Park Winners' Circle BBQ ChampionshipArcadia, CA, USApr 1, 2017
Gilroy Great Garli-Que BBQ ChallengeGilroy, CA, USJul 28, 2017
Del Mar BBQ ChampionshipDel Mar, CA, USSep 1, 2017
West Coast BBQ ClassicLong Beach, CA, USMay 13, 2017
Colorado BBQ ChallengeFrisco, CO, USJun 15, 2017
Giant National Capital Barbecue BattleWashington, DC, USJun 24, 2017
When Pigs Fly South BBQ ChallengeLakeland, FFL, USDec 3, 2016
Mulberry Fine Swine at the Pit BBQMulberry, FL, USOct 7, 2016
South Florida PRO BBQ CompetitionPompano, FL, USOct 21, 2016
Smokin' FlamingoJacksonville, FL, USNov 18, 2016
Orange Blossom ReviewLake Wales, FL, USDec 2, 2016
Southern Pines & BluesPerry, FL, USDec 9, 2016
Sonny's Invitational BBQ Smokin Showdown and Steak CookoffSanford, FL, USJan 13, 2017
Pigz in Z'Hills BBQ & Blues FestZephyr Hills, FL, USJan 21, 2017
Smoke on the Water BBQ Competition - Citrus Center Boys & Girls ClubsWinter Haven, FL, USFeb 3, 2017
The Old Florida Outdoor Festival (BBQ competition Pro division)Apopka, FL, USFeb 10, 2017
Ribs on the RidgeHaines City, FL, USFeb 24, 2017
Eagle Lake BBQ FestEagle Lake, FL, USMar 3, 2017
The North Port Sweet Heat BBQ BashNorth Port, FL, USMar 18, 2017
Indian River Twisted Tail RibfestVero Beach, FL, USMar 25, 2017
Suncoast BBQ & Bluegrass BashVenice, FL, USApr 14, 2017
Smoke on the Water - Barbecue Competition & Music FestivalFort Myers, FL, USApr 28, 2017
Smoke on the Water - BBQ & Music FestivalThomaston, FL, USMay 19, 2017
Cocoa Village BBQ and BluesCocoa, FL, USJun 2, 2017
2015 World Food Champion - Loren HillKissimmee, FL, US
Lakeland Pig FestivalLakeland, FL, USJan 27, 2017
Smokin on the BayDover, FL, USApr 21, 2017
2015 WBCKissimmee, FL, US
Que'n in Cumming - Day 2Cumming, GA, USNov 18, 2016
Barnsville BBQ & Blues FestivalBarnsville, GA, USApr 21, 2017
BBQ & Brews FestivalCanton, GA, USApr 28, 2017
Three Rivers BBQ FestHazelhurst, GA, USMay 5, 2017
Dillard Bluegrass & Barbeque FestivalDillard, GA, USAug 4, 2017
MBN: Big Pig JigVienna, GA, USNov 4, 2016
KCBS: Boss Hog Cook-OffWaynesboro, GA, USMay 12, 2017
Up in Smoke BBQ BashMason City, IA, USJul 21, 2017
Central Iowa Expo BBQ & Cruise - Day 1Boone, IA, USApr 29, 2017
Central Iowa Expo BBQ & Cruise - Day 2Boone, IA, USApr 30, 2017
Sunrise Grilling Season OpenerBettendorf, IA, USMar 25, 2017
KCBS: 17th Street Praise the Lard BBQ & Steak Cookoff - Murphysboro Barbecue Cook-off - KCBS Grand ChampionMurphysboro, IL, USSep 21, 2017
Illinois BBQ FestOrion, IL, USAug 19, 2017
Wabash Ribberfest BBQ ChampionshipMt. Carmel, IL, USApr 28, 2017
I-39 Smokin Car Show (Barbecue competition)Minonk, IL, USJul 1, 2017
MBN: 17th Street Praise the Lard BBQ & Steak Cookoff - Murphysboro Barbecue Cook-off - MBN Grand ChampionMurphysboro, IL, USSep 21, 2017
Central Illinois BBQ ThrowdownPeoria, IL, USJul 21, 2017
American Royal - Invitational - Reserve Grand ChampionKansas City, KS, USOct 26, 2016
American Royal - OpenKansas City, KS, USOct 26, 2016
Kansas City Barbeque Society (Special Invitation)Kansas City, KS, USJan 13, 2017
Smoke in the SpringOsage City, KS, USApr 7, 2017
American Royal - Open - 2017Kansas City, KS, USAug 31, 2017
American Royal - Invitational - Reserve Grand ChampionKansas City, KS, USAug 31, 2017
BiAnnual TBIPAC BBQ ThrowdownMarksville, LA, USMar 11, 2017
Fire on Ice Barbecue World ChampionshipOnamia, MN, USMar 3, 2017
Big Island BBQAlbert Lea, MN, USAug 25, 2017
Smokin on Big Creek BBQ ContestPleasant Hill, MO, USMar 31, 2017
Main Street BBQ & BluesfestWashington, MO, USApr 21, 2017
Pig and SwigKansas City, MO, USApr 29, 2017
Tupelo BBQ Duel #2 - Malcomb ReedTupelo, MS, USMar 17, 2017
Southaven SpringfestSouthaven, MS, USApr 18, 2017
Tupelo BBQ Duel #1 - Eric LeeTupelo, MS, USMar 17, 2017
MBN: Mississippi Delta State Barbeque Championship/OctoberfestCleveland, MS, USOct 7, 2016
The Shed - Special Qualifier InvitationOcean Springs, MS, US
Montana BBQ Cook-offAbsarokee, MT, USJun 25, 2017
Hog Happnin'Shelby, NC, USNov 4, 2016
Blue Ridge BBQ FestivalTryon, NC, USJun 9, 2017
Peak City Pig FestApex, NC, USJun 16, 2017
Granite State BBQ ChampionshipHancock, NH, USJun 10, 2017
New Jersey State BBQ Champion ChampionshipNorth Wildwood, NJ, USJul 7, 2017
14th Annual Pork & Brew BBQ State ChampionshipSanta Ana, NM, USJul 1, 2017
Wind Rider Mountain Festival BBQ CompetitionRuidoso, NM, USMay 27, 2017
Smokin' On The Pecos New Mexico State BBQ Championship - Double HeaderArtesia, NM, USJun 23, 2017
Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook-offSparks, NV, USAug 30, 2017
Pigs for the KidsNorth Las Vegas, NV, USSep 23, 2017
2012 World Barbecue Champion - Greg AustinLas Vegas, NV, US
2013 World Barbecue Champion - Victor HowardLas Vegas, NV, US
2014 World Barbecue Champion - Jim ElserLas Vegas, NV, US
Smokey Hayes Porkin on the River BBQ CompetitionLaughlin, NV, USMar 4, 2017
NYC BBQ CookoffNew York, NY, USApr 8, 2017
Bixby BBQ n Blues FestivalBixby, OK, USMay 5, 2017
Black Elk Brisket Burnout - BBQ Grand ChampionMiami, OK, USMay 6, 2017
Black Elk Brisket Burnout - Grand Champion - Red's BBQMiami, OK, US
Black Elk Brisket Burnout - Brisket Category WinnerMiami, OK, USMay 6, 2017
Battle of the BonesCentral Point, OR, USSep 15, 2017
Keystone Classic BBQ ChampionshipHarrisburg, PA, USOct 7, 2016
Smoke on the Harbor BBQ ThrowdownCharleston, SC, USNov 11, 2016
Bands, Brews and BBQPort Royal, SC, USFeb 24, 2017
The Original SD BBQ ChampionshipsHuron, SD, USJun 2, 2017
Beresford's Wheels N' SquealsBeresford, SD, USJun 16, 2017
Special Invitation - Tony BalaySD, US
Bloomin' Barbeque & BluegrassSevierville, TN, USMay 19, 2017
Cumberland Plateau BBQ Cookoff & Cruise-In - Day 1 and Day 2Jamestown, TN, USJul 8, 2017
Tony Stone Cookeville CookoffCookeville, TN, USSep 9, 2016
Ooltewah BBQ BrawlOoltewah, TN, USApr 15, 2017
Atoka BBQ FestAtoka, TN, USMar 31, 2017
MBN: Arlington BBQ FallfestArlington, TN, USOct 14, 2016
Memphis in May - Mark WestMemphis, TN, USMay 17, 2017
Chattanooga's Annual BBQ Festival and CompetitionChattanooga, TN, USAug 5, 2017
Chattanooga's ABFCChattanooga, TN, USAug 5, 2017
Bliss, Brews & QueEl Paso, TX, USOct 7, 2016
Hold'em Hit Em Club BBQ CookoffHouston, TX, USJan 20, 2017
Humble Rodeo & BBQ CookoffHouston, TX, USFeb 3, 2017
World's Championship Bar B Que ContestHouston, TX, USFeb 20, 2017
Smokin' on the RioMercedes, TX, USFeb 24, 2017
BBQ Bash - People's Choice @ NBBQA Convention & Trade ShowFort Worth, TX, USApr 1, 2017
Roughneck Chili & BBQ CookoffLuling, TX, USApr 1, 2017
The Summer Feast - Big Bad BBQ Challenge - Grand ChampionSun Prairie, TX, USJun 24, 2017
Raider Red Meats BBQ and Ribeye ChampionshipsLubbock, TX, USAug 26, 2017
Shotgun Fred BBQ ShowdownHuntsville, TX, USFeb 16, 2017
World Championship BBQ Goat Cook-offBrady, TX, USSep 1, 2017
State of Texas High School BBQ ChampionshipsAustin, TX, USApr 29, 2017
Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Bar-B-Que ContestHouston, TX, USMar 2, 2017
BBQ Gives Back - Female Pitmaster InvitationUrbanna, VA, USMar 24, 2017
MABA Grand Championship WinnerUrbanna, VA, USMar 24, 2017
Virginia Grand Championship WinnerUrbanna, VA, USMar 24, 2017
BBQ Jamboree - Day 1Fredericksburg, VA, USMay 13, 2017
BBQ Jamboree - Day 2Fredericksburg, VA, USMay 14, 2017
KCBS: BBQ Gives Back - KCBS Grand ChampionUrbanna, VA, USMar 24, 2017
Chillin' & Grillin' in the GladesWise, VA, USJul 15, 2017
KCBS: 2017 KCBS Open BBQ Registration (Available on a first come first serve basis)Various Locations, US
IBCA: 2017 IBCA Open BBQ Registration (Available on a first come first serve basis)Various Locations, US
IBCA: 2017 IBCA Open BBQ Registration (Dennis Butterworth)Various Locations, US
KCBS: Green Mountain BBQ Championship (For WFC 2018)Randolph, VT, USSep 9, 2017

International Events

Event Location Date
ABA: Barbeques Galore Australian Barbecue Championship Series WinnerVarious Locations, AU
KCBS: Meat Smoke & Beer - Grand ChampionWels, ATApr 8, 2017
KCBS: Meat Smoke & Beer - RGC and Rookie of the YearWels, ATApr 8, 2017
Beer, Fries & BBQLimburg, BEMay 14, 2017
Eastern BBQ Contest - Belgium4Ninove, BEApr 15, 2017
Canadian Food Championships - BBQ EasternEdmonton, AB, CASep 1, 2017
Canadian Food Championships - BBQ WesternEdmonton, AB, CASep 1, 2017
Danish National BBQ ChampionshipAbenraa, DKJul 1, 2017
Cook-In-Camargue - Camargue BBQ Festival - FranceSaintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, FRJun 24, 2017
Taste of the World - FranceFRJun 1, 2017
Black Forest Smoke & Wine FestivalBad Bellingen, DEJul 22, 2017
W.E.S.T. Winter Extreme South Tyrol BBQ Contest - ItalySouth Tyrol BZ, ITJan 14, 2017
Smokin' Hot BBQ San Juan (BBQ competition) - Puerto RicoRio Grande, PRFeb 18, 2017
Tony Stone Low and Slow - The NetherlandsHoofdorp, NLJun 3, 2017
Q-Fest (BBQ competition) - United KingdomDevon, GBApr 28, 2017
Grillstock Festival - (Cook's Choice) United KingdomBristol, GBJul 1, 2017
The Maldon Smoke and Fire BBQ Pitmaster Challenge - United KingdomMaldon Essex, GBAug 19, 2017
Grillstock Festival - (BBQ competition) - United KingdomBristol, GBJul 1, 2017