BBQ Gives Back: A Sizzling Success in Urbanna, VA
From March 21–23, 2025, the Bethpage Camp-Resort in Urbanna, Virginia, transformed into a haven for barbecue enthusiasts as it hosted the annual BBQ Gives Back event. This Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS)-sanctioned competition featured both Master Series and Backyard contests, drawing top pitmasters from across the region. Beyond the smoke and sizzle, the event had a heartwarming mission: supporting the Team Thanksgiving Food Bank and the Burn Survivors Foundation.
Local New England teams Smokin’ Hoggz, Sticks & Stones, Meat Monarchy, Professor Smoke and House of Que made the journey south of the Mason-Dixon Line.
Saturday
Master Series Results
- • Grand Champion: Gettin’ Basted (703.4288)
- • Reserve Grand Champion: Wolf’s Revenge BBQ
- • Chicken: House of Que
- • Ribs: B’s Que
- • Pork: Dog Bite Barbecue (180)
- • Brisket: Wolf’s Revenge
Backyard Series Results
- • Grand Champion: Red Smoke Bar-B-Que
- • Reserve Grand Champion: Leaning Jowler BBQ
- • Chicken: Brock’s BBQ (180)
- • Ribs: Red Smoke Bar-B-Que (180)
Sunday
Master Series Results
- • Grand Champion: Uncle Pig’s Barbeque Pit (708.5256)
- • Reserve Grand Champion: HotMess BBQ (706.8460)
- • Chicken: Pig Candy Barbeque (180)
- • Ribs: Wolf’s Revenge BBQ
- • Pork: Uncle Pig’s Barbeque Pit (180)
- • Brisket: HotMess BBQ
Backyard Series Results
- • Grand Champion: K-10 BBQ• Reserve Grand Champion: Rough Cut Q
- • Chicken: K-10 BBQ (180)
- • Ribs: Red Smoke Bar-B-Que
- One-Meat Results
- • Chicken Champion: Fire & Shine BBQ
- • Ribs Champion: Uncle Pig’s Barbeque Pit
2025 Southern New England Barbecue Throwdown was FIRE
Barbecue enthusiasts from across the Northeast gathered at Lake Compounce Campground in Bristol, Connecticut, on April 12–13 for the third annual Southern New England Barbecue Throwdown. This KCBS-sanctioned Masters Series event featured two full competitions over the weekend, along with 1-Meat Chicken and Ribs contests, and a Hot Dog ancillary category. Despite the early spring chill, the event sizzled with fierce competition and mouthwatering aromas.
Saturday Highlights: Masters Series & 1-Meat Contests
Snow and brisk temperatures hovering around 38°F, greeted competitors Saturday morning. The weather challenged pitmasters to maintain consistent heat in their smokers and stay focused on the tasks in hand. Saturday’s competitions included the first KCBS Masters Series event and the 1-Meat Chicken and Ribs contests. The event continued its tradition of attracting top-tier talent from the barbecue circuit including a visit from well renowned pitmasters Brad Leighninger(Getting’ Basted) and Chris Schafer(Heavy Smoke BBQ). The duo combined efforts and showed New Englanders that come rain, sleet or snow good bbq must prevail.
Day 1 Champions
- ▪ Grand Champion: Gettin’ Basted (700.5260)
- ▪ Reserve Grand Champion: Boggs Hog BBQ
- ▪ Chicken: Boggs Hog BBQ (180)
- ▪ Ribs: Gettin’ Basted
- ▪ Pork: Gettin’ Basted
- ▪ Brisket: House of Que
- ▪ One Meat Ribs: Buckeye Blue Smoke BBQ
- ▪ One Meat Chicken: Badass Canz
Sunday Showdown: Masters Series & Hot Dog Ancillary
The conditions improved, with temperatures rising to 50°F and partly sunny skies, providing a more comfortable environment for both participants and attendees. Sunday featured the second KCBS Masters Series competition and the Hot Dog ancillary contest. Showcasing the skills of seasoned pitmasters and emerging talents alike.
Day 2 Champions
- ▪ Grand Champion: Uncle Pig’s Barbeque Pit (709.1084)
- ▪ Reserve Grand Champion: Gettin’ Basted (707.9772)
- ▪ Chicken: Paddy McQ’s
- ▪ Ribs: Gettin’ Basted
- ▪ Pork: Uncle Pig’s Barbeque Pie
- ▪ Brisket: Gettin’ Basted
- ▪ Hot Dog Ancillary: Squealing Reels BBQ
Northeast Gets Fired Up in May
Barbecue season is sizzling across the Northeast as May brings a trio of premier KCBS- sanctioned competitions to the region. From the hills of New Jersey to the heart of Massachusetts and the scenic corners of New Hampshire, pitmasters are prepping their smokers and sharpening their knives. Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or a backyard enthusiast, these events are packed with serious smoke, flavor, and friendly fire.
Kicking off the month, the New Jersey KnoQ-out returns to Blairstown with a strong lineup of teams and a growing reputation. Organized by the Campground BBQ Series, this KCBS competition draws pitmasters from across the Northeast and beyond. Last year Boggs Hog BBQ dominated the Masters category, securing Grand Champion titles on both Saturday and Sunday.
Mid-month, Mass in May fires up in Wrentham, MA, offering a family-friendly atmosphere with serious competition. This KCBS event is organized by Inclusive BBQ Events, known for their mission of making competitive BBQ accessible and welcoming for all. Last year’s winners include Poor Boys BBQ on Day 1 and ELJEFE Smoke on Day 2. This is the first of three competitions that form the Northeast KCBS Triple Crown and it’s $1000 bonus payout.
Rounding out the month is the Granite State BBQ Championship, nestled in picturesque Hancock, NH. Also a part of the Campground BBQ Series, this event combines New England charm with fierce KCBS competition. The Granite State BBQ Championship has seen exceptional performances in recent years. In 2024, Up 2 BBQ earned the Grand Champion title, with Smokin’ Hoggz as the Reserve Grand Champion.
These competitions are more than just contests; they are celebrations of the art and passion of barbecue. Hosted at campgrounds, they provide teams with essential amenities, fostering an environment where competitors can focus on their craft and enjoy camaraderie with fellow BBQ enthusiasts.
Don’t Miss the Smoke Show
Whether you’re looking to compete, judge, or just enjoy the sights and smells of serious BBQ, these events highlight the best of what Northeast BBQ has to offer. Each one is part of a growing regional circuit that’s gaining national attention.
Follow the KCBS calendar and each event’s social media for updates, team rosters, and results. And if you’re nearby, bring a lawn chair, grab a cold drink, and support your local pitmasters. The smoke is calling.
Upcoming Events
April:
- 26th – 27th: Revolutionary BBQ Brawl, Williamsburg VA
May:
- 3rd – 4th: New Jersey KnoQ-out, Blairstown NJ SOLDOUT
- 17th – 18th: Twin Valley Fire and Smoke, Morgantown PA
- 17th – 18th: Mass in May, Wrentham MA
- 23rd – 24th: 7th Annual KCBS World Invitational, Lebanon TN
- 31st – June 1st: Granite State BBQ Championship, Hancock NH
June:
- 21st: BBQ and Brew VT (CBA), Rutland VT
- 22nd: Frog Alley Brew-B-Que Cookoff, Schenectady NY
- 22nd: Giant National Capital Barbecue Battle, Washington DC
- 28th: Rhode Island State Championship (CBA), Coventry RI
