A Quick Guide To Getting Started In BBQ Competitions

If you love to barbecue and are convinced you are the best, you’ve probably thought about entering a BBQ competition. The abundance of competitions (more than 500 at last count) held throughout the U.S. each year makes it easy. If you’re not sure how to get started, here’s a quick guide to help you out.

Photo from MemphisInMay.org

1. Attend at least one cook-off or BBQ competition as a spectator on the sidelines. Get a feel for the sport. Pay particular attention to the methods of previous winners.
2. Consider volunteering as a judge. You’ll get rewarded with all kinds of insider competition knowledge, as well as getting to chow down on some mighty tasty barbecue.
3. Decide which contest you’ll enter first and get to know as much as you can about the hosting club or organization. Request any materials and rule books they might have so that you can study up.
4. Decide on the member of your team. Your team can be as small as just you and one other person, just as long as that one person shares your passion for the sport of BBQ and is dedicated to helping you, you’ll be just fine. In fact, many of the “pros” have just 2 or 3 members on their teams.
5. Choose a team name. This is your primary identifier in the world of BBQ competitions, so make sure you give it plenty of thought and come up with a name that is most suitable.
6. Save up your money. Most competitions require an entry fee and you’ll need money to purchase all of the necessary supplies for competition day too.
7. Prepare properly. Figure out what kind of meats you’ll need and which supplies you’ll need to bring. This can vary from competition to competition, so it doesn’t hurt to do a little homework first.
8. Pick just one or two categories to enter your first time out. Look at your first competition as being solely for the experience so that you can learn the ropes without the pressure of winning.
9. Have fun and cook some good BBQ! This is perhaps the most important one. Compete because you love the sport of BBQ. Do what you do best, relax and enjoy the weekend!

For a comprehensive guide to preparing for your first barbecue competition, check out this free e-guide by Elizabeth Lumpkin: Your First Cookoff: How to Make the Jump From Backyard to Competition.
By: admin - February 16th, 2011  Filed under: Barbecue Competitions