SmokeSlam maintains its position as the BBQ competition with the largest prize pool, exceeding $250,000.
MEMPHIS, Tenn., May 17, 2025 — SmokeSlam, known as ‘The World’s Ultimate BBQ Showdown’, is pleased to announce that Rescue Smokers from Sycamore, GA, has been named the Grand Champion at this year’s second annual three-day festival. The judging was conducted by the Memphis Barbecue Network (MBN) and consisted of two phases: a preliminary round and a final on-site evaluation. The preliminary round featured both a blind sample submission and live presentations at SmokeSlam. This year, 76 teams participated in SmokeSlam, marking a 35% increase in team entries compared to the previous year.
“After making it to the finals last year but missing a required step and finishing third in Hog, to be back here and have this chance, it’s incredible.”
“There is absolutely nothing like SmokeSlam 2025!” Pitmaster Robby Royal exclaimed after the team secured their victory.
Prizes were awarded in the Whole Hog, Ribs, and Pulled Pork categories, with ten places recognized in each, totaling $150,000 in prize money. Each 1st Place winner also received a Golden Ticket to the World Food Championships. Rescue Smokers earned $65,000 for winning the Grand Prize and the Pulled Pork category. The prize breakdown for each category was as follows:
- 5th Place winner – $5,000
- 4th Place winner – $7,500
- 3rd Place winner – $10,000
- 2nd Place winner – $12,500
- 1st Place Winner – $15,000
The top three MBN Winners for this year are:
Whole Hog
- Fireman John’s BBQ
- Grind City Smokers
- Swineantology
Ribs
- Fireside Smokers
- Rebel Roaster Review
- Ole Booger Bear’s BBQ
Pulled Pork
- Rescue Smokers
- Poker Porkers
- Swine Life BBQ
In addition to the prize money, teams that placed first through fifth received beautifully crafted trophies from The Metal Museum, located nearby. Teams placing sixth through tenth were awarded SmokeSlam medals, also crafted at The Metal Museum.
The 2025 WFC Ancillary Champions were announced on Friday, encompassing Duck, Bacon, Beef, Wings, Poultry, Seafood, and Dessert. Prizes were awarded to ten places in each category, totaling $40,000 in prize money. Each category winner, sanctioned by the World Food Championships, also received a Golden Ticket to the World Food Championships.
The 2025 WFC Ancillary Champions are:
Duck: Smokin’ On The River
Dry Rub: Sweet Cheeks BBQ
Seafood: I Only Smoke When I Drink
Bacon: Hotty Totty BBQ Dream Team
Wings: BBQ Team
Poultry: Sicilian Smokers
Beef: Smoked N Spiced
Dessert: Hotty Totty BBQ Dream Team
Melissa Cookston’s World Junior BBQ League returned, featuring 42 young competitors in four categories, with a total prize pool of $25,000. Totally Bodacious BBQ was crowned Grand Champion, taking home $12,500.
SmokeSlam and Mempho Presents also made a generous donation of $5,000 to WJBL this year, to support leadership, teamwork, and healthy competition among youth through BBQ. SmokeSlam continues its partnership with Project Green Fork, collecting and distributing surplus food to address food insecurity within the community.
Photos and videos are available for download . Additional details can be found at . You can also connect with us on and .
About SmokeSlam
SmokeSlam, the World’s Ultimate BBQ Showdown, attracts teams from across the nation to compete for the largest prize pool in barbecue history. More than just a barbecue competition, SmokeSlam is a comprehensive experience that combines live music and barbecue at Tom Lee Park on the banks of the Mississippi River in Memphis, TN, each May. Produced by Mempho Presents, SmokeSlam elevates the BBQ experience. For more information, visit .
Media Contact:
Lindsay Stevens
2132009638
SOURCE SmokeSlam
“`