World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest

06/11/2026

🎤🔥 What happens when aspiring marketing and communications professionals get face-to-face with a wrestling icon? An unforgettable learning experience!

As part of the first Memphis In May MayMakers internship program, participants had the incredible opportunity to interview wrestling legend Bill Goldberg during the 2026 Memphis In May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest.

The MayMakers program gave students hands-on experience in event management, marketing, communications, media relations, and content creation while working behind the scenes at one of Memphis' premier events. Thank you to our partners at Edit Media for helping to mentor these students throughout the 8-week internship.

Some students were behind the camera, students helped to build the set, and so much more. From developing interview questions to conducting a live interview with a nationally recognized celebrity, these future professionals gained real-world skills that took thier learning beyond the classroom.

We're proud to help cultivate the next generation of leaders while creating opportunities that inspire confidence, creativity, and career growth.

🏆🍖🎙️

Check out the entire interview here --> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1x9WVjWpCU

Congratulations to our amazing interviewer, Madison Ford, who was a senior at Whitehaven High School and is heading to the "Land of Golden Sunshine" at Tennessee State University this Fall!

Memphis In May student interns interview 4x World Wrestling Champions Bill Goldberg and his son Gage Goldberg during the World Championship Barbecue Cooking ...

05/29/2026

🚨 FINAL CALL! 🚨

The official merchandise store for Memphis in May International Festival is closing on May 31st at 11:59 p.m., and this is your last chance to grab your favorite 2026 Memphis In May merch before it’s gone! 🔥

From festival tees and hats to exclusive World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest merch, now is your last chance to rep the tradition, the smoke, and the spirit of Memphis all year long!. 🎸🍖☘️

Don’t wait until your favorite item sells out! Shop now and take a piece of Memphis In May home with you.

🛍️ Shop the official store today: https://hubs.li/Q04jpT2V0

05/18/2026

Memphis in May is known for bold barbecue, and this year, Turkey stepped into the spotlight. Congratulations to the People’s Republic of Swina () for taking the Turkey Smoke champion title!

As a proud sponsor, is here to show that turkey belongs on the smoker, too — big flavor, serious barbecue potential.

05/17/2026

Flying out of Memphis today? Remember to pack your barbecue sauces in your checked baggage, and be prepared for extra TSA inspection of any spices and rubs—especially if they’re in an unlabeled container.

We hope you enjoyed your time in Memphis! ✈️

05/17/2026

That’s a wrap on Day 4 of the 2026 Memphis In May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest 🔥🍖

From unforgettable moments in the smoke, incredible teams from around the world, live music, great food, and the unmatched energy of BBQ lovers everywhere — this year reminded us exactly why Memphis is the Home of Barbecue.

As the smoke settles on another amazing year, we’re already looking ahead to something BIGGER…

🎉 2027 marks the 50th Anniversary of Memphis In May! 🎉

For five decades, this iconic celebration has brought together friends, families, pitmasters, and fans for the biggest backyard barbecue party on the planet — and next year will be one for the history books.

Thank you to every team, sponsor, volunteer, vendor, partner, media outlet, and fan who helped make 2026 unforgettable. The countdown to 50 starts NOW. 🔥

05/17/2026

What a way to close out the 2026 World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest. 🔥🏆

Congratulations to all of this year’s champions, finalists, and category winners — and a huge thank you to every single team who made this year’s contest unforgettable. From the smoke rolling through Liberty Park to the music, crowds, creativity, and competition, this week reminded us why Memphis is the barbecue capital of the world. 🍖🎶

The passion, talent, and camaraderie on display all weekend long made this one for the books. Thank you to the teams, judges, sponsors, volunteers, and fans who brought the energy and helped make this year’s WCBCC such an incredible experience.

We’re already counting down the days until we do it all again next year. ❤️🔥

05/17/2026

And your 2026 Grand Champion is Heath Riles BBQ. YOUR BACK TO BACK GRAND CHAMPION! The first time in 42 YEARS!

Taking home 1st place in Ribs and the 2026 World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest Grand Champion title. Congratulations!!

05/17/2026

🏆 The champions have officially been crowned.

After days of smoke, fire, competition, and nonstop barbecue action, tonight’s Championship Awards celebrated the best barbecue teams in the world.

And the winners are:

Grilling Green Award: Bubba Grills
Kingsford Tour of Champions: Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q
Patio Porker: Bugsy Que
Ribs: Heath Riles BBQ
Shoulder: Smoke BBQ
Whole Hog: Will Be Que

Congratulations on earning your place in WCBCC history.

05/16/2026

🏆 The Whole Hog finalists are officially locked in.

MUSIC CITY SMOKERS
WILL BE QUE
WICKERS

05/16/2026

🏆 The Shoulder finalists are officially locked in.

PLANET BARBEQUE
SOUTHERN HOGGERS
SMOKE BBQ