The Northeast BBQ scene sizzled with activity showcasing the region’s rich barbecue culture. From the Revolutionary BBQ Brawl in Virginia to the New Jersey KnoQ-Out, pitmasters demonstrated their culinary prowess in various competitions. The Northeast BBQ scene truly came alive offering a tantalizing glimpse into the region’s vibrant barbecue culture. This sizzling extravaganza involved a series of exhilarating events that perfectly encapsulated the essence of Northeastern barbecue mastery.
RevolutionaryBBQBrawl-April26,2025 Williamsburg, VA
Williamsburg, Virginia, was transformed into a haven for barbecue enthusiasts during the 2025 Revolutionary BBQ Brawl, held from April 25 to 27 at Chickahominy Riverfront Park. This Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS)- sanctioned event showcased top-tier talent in both the Master and Backyard Series, drawing teams and spectators from across the nation.
●MasterSeriesResults
Day1(April25,2025)
Grand Champion: Smokin’ Barrel BBQ – 689.1428 points
Reserve Grand Champion: Smokehouse Syndicate – 682.2856 points
Category Winners:
Chicken: Chunky BBQ – 174.2856
Ribs: Smokehouse Syndicate – 172.5712
Pork: Liberty Q – 175.4284
Brisket: Smokin’ Barrel BBQ – 176.8572
Day2(April26,2025)
Grand Champion: Liberty Q – 690.8572 points
Reserve Grand Champion: Chunky BBQ – 684.5714 points
Category Winners:
Chicken: Smokehouse Syndicate – 175.7142
Ribs: Chunky BBQ – 173.4286
Pork: Smokin’ Barrel BBQ – 174.2856
Brisket: Liberty Q – 177.4286
BackyardSeries Results
Day1(April25,2025)
Grand Champion: Big G BBQ – 348.5714 points
Reserve Grand Champion: The Red Goose – 345.7142 points
Category Winners:
Chicken: Armstrong Smoke Company – 174.2856
Ribs: Big G BBQ – 174.2858
Day2(April26,2025)
Grand Champion: The Red Goose – 350.0000 points
Reserve Grand Champion: Armstrong Smoke Company – 347.1428 points
Category Winners:
Chicken: Big G BBQ (VA) – 175.7142
Ribs: The Red Goose (NC) – 174.2858
Community and Culture
Set against the historic backdrop of Williamsburg, the event celebrated the rich traditions of barbecue, bringing together seasoned pitmasters and enthusiastic newcomers alike. With unique prizes and a festive atmosphere, the Revolutionary BBQ Brawl solidified its place as a must-attend event in the barbecue circuit.
NJKnoQ-OutBBQ–May2-4,2025
Blairstown,NJ
The picturesque town of Blairstown played host to a fierce and flavor-packed weekend as pitmasters from across the region fired up their smokers for the 2025 NJ KnoQ-Out BBQ Competition, one of New Jersey’s premier barbecue events sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS). With smoke in the air and crowds gathered to enjoy the unmistakable aroma of slow-cooked perfection, the competition delivered standout performances across both backyard and master series categories, drawing top-tier talent and hungry BBQ fans from up and down the East Coast.
SATURDAY MASTERS COMPETITION
In a hard-fought Saturday battle, Smokin’ Hoggz BBQ took home Grand Champion honors with an impressive 701 score, showcasing a level of consistency and pit control that wowed the judges across all four categories. Close behind, Glazed & Infused NJ BBQ claimed the Reserve Grand Champion spot, setting the tone for a dominant weekend.
Grand Champion:Smokin’ Hoggz BBQ (701 score)
● Reserve Grand Champion:Glazed & Infused NJ BBQ
Adding to their accolades, Glazed & Infused NJ BBQ earned the coveted New Jersey MABA Cup Champion title, awarded to the top New Jersey team competing in the Masters division over the weekend.
SUNDAY MASTERS COMPETITION
Sunday brought even stiffer competition, but it was Boggs Hog BBQ that emerged as the weekend’s top scorer, racking up a commanding 705 score to clinch Grand Champion honors. Good Googly Goo trailed closely behind to earn Reserve Grand Champion, making a strong statement of their own.
Grand Champion:Boggs Hog BBQ (705 score)
● Reserve Grand Champion: Good Googly Goo
BACKYARD COMPETITION RESULTS
The Backyard division showcased rising stars and local flavor, with different teams taking the spotlight each day.
Saturday Backyard Champions: Grand Champion:Beefy Bros BBQ
Reserve Grand Champion:Yardogs BBQ
Sunday Backyard Champions:
Grand Champion:Fire N Shine BBQ
Reserve Grand Champion:Rough Cut Q
CATEGORY AWARDS
Specialty awards also highlighted some of the best single-category cooks of the weekend:
Master of Chicken: Grandpa Val’s BBQ
Master of Ribs: Grandpa Val’s BBQ
TaylorHamChampion:Lipstick on the Pig
With top-tier teams, outstanding scores, and a passionate crowd, the 2025 NJ KnoQ-Out BBQ Competition was a celebration of skill, smoke, and community. From backyard warriors to seasoned pros, Blairstown witnessed a BBQ showdown for the books—and the competition only promises to get hotter next year.
For full score breakdowns and more photos, visit the KCBS and MABA official websites.
Savor the Smoke: Memphis in May’s World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest Returns May 14–17, 2025
Get ready to fire up your appetite—Memphis in May’s World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest (WCBCC) is back for its 47th year, taking over Liberty Park from May 14 to 17, 2025. Recognized by USA Today as the “Most Prestigious Barbecue Contest,” this four-day celebration of pork, pitmasters, and party vibes is the crown jewel of Memphis in May. With over 125 championship-caliber teams from around the globe, the WCBCC is more than a competition—it’s a full-blown barbecue festival.
● The Ultimate BBQ Showdown
Teams will compete in the classic pork categories of Whole Hog, Ribs, Shoulder, and the entry-level Patio Porkers division. Ancillary contests include Hot Wings, Sauce, and the creatively named “Anything But Pork.” With more than $170,000 in prize money on the line, the stakes are as high as the smoke rings are deep.
UpcomingEvents
Twin Valley Fire & Smoke May16–18, 2025
Morgantown,PA
A standout on the Mid-Atlantic competition scene, Twin Valley Fire & Smoke returns with smoky intensity and a strong community vibe. KCBS-sanctioned competition with full Pro Series categories: Chicken, Ribs, Pork, and Brisket. Friday night kick-off includes a People’s Choice rib tasting and live entertainment.
Massachusetts in May May16–18,2025
Wrentham,MA
Joining the Mid-May Tradition of Minnesota in May and Memphis in May: Mass in May is back with a fun- filled KCBS double and KIDS Q double. Organized by Inclusive BBQ Events, this competition focuses on diversity, accessibility, and good old- fashioned BBQ fun. Mass in May, Frog Alley and CT BBQ Challenge are part of a Northeast KCBS Triple Crown for a $1000 bonus.
Granite State BBQ Championship May 30 – June 1, 2025
Hancock,NH
Nestled in the heart of New Hampshire, the Granite State BBQ Championship is part of the growing Campground Series, combining competitive BBQ with laid-back, nature-rich vibes. KCBS-sanctioned event with all four meat categories plus optional one meat challenges in chicken/ribs and ancillary dessert category. Popular among New England pitmasters for its welcoming environment and strong judging pool.
National BBQ Festival June 13–15, 2025
EisenhowerPark,NassauCounty,NY
Making its long-awaited return after a decade away, the National BBQ Festival is coming back bigger, better, and smokier than ever. The $100,000 Prize Pool attracts top-tier teams from across the U.S. Categories include Chicken, Pork, Brisket, and Ribs – KCBS-style judging rules apply. Also features a BBQ Hall of Flame induction ceremony, honoring legends of the pit
