MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Young adults from Georgia, Mississippi, and Tennessee competed on Saturday in the first World Junior BBQ Championship at AutoZone Park.
The event was open to 9th through 12th graders and gave them a chance to learn how to slow cook barbecue.
Categories in the competition included cooking chicken thighs, spare ribs, pork butt, and brisket flats, with about 30 people split into seven teams.
A team from Tallulah Falls, Georgia, Pit Vipers B, won a custom cutting board, trophy, and $5,000.
“We had a great day watching these teams work together from before sunrise to just before sunset to produce quality barbecue that really impressed our group of seasoned judges. Congratulations to all the teams on a job well done with a special congratulations going to our Chairman’s Reserve grand champions Pit Vipers B from Tallulah Falls High School,” said Melissa Cookson, World Junior Barbecue League Founder. “I also have to thank our incredible sponsors, Prairie Fresh, Performance Foodservice, Chairman’s Reserve, Grill Eye, Kingsford, Tastemaker, Yeti, Old World Spice, Turkey Federation, and Reed Foods, for helping make today such a great success.”
Organizers said they hope to make it an annual event with competitions nationwide, culminating in a world championship.
For more information on the World Junior Barbecue League, click here.