SmokeSlam announces its first grand champion

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — SmokeSlam has announced the grand champion for the inaugural three-day festival at Tom Lee Park.

SmokeMasters BBQ took home the top prize Saturday night, taking home a total of $90,000 over the course of the weekend event. The festival was judged by the Memphis Barbecue Network.

“We are very proud of the MBN for making this possible and overcoming all this controversy that happened. I can’t describe it. I really can not. I’m a little lost for words,” said Will Hair, SmokeMasters BBQ Pitmaster. “We’ve made many significant changes to our process over the past couple of months and they’re finally paying off, and I’m thrilled. I am absolutely delighted,”

Hair also celebrated his 50th birthday on Saturday, saying: “This is the best birthday present ever!”

SmokeSlam is scheduled to return to Tom Lee Park on May 15-17, 2025.

“The teams that decided to come to SmokeSlam are all excellent teams. It was very difficult to distinguish my scores because the teams were all high caliber and they were all happy to be here and excited about the opportunity to try something new here on the river,” said the judge. on site Neysa Rhodes. “SmokeSlam went really well all weekend.”

SmokeSlam also announced the winners of each barbecue category. Each first-place winner received $15,000 and a “golden ticket” to the World Food Championships.

Whole pork

• 5th Place – Raised Pork BBQ
• 4th place – Fat Head Barbecue
• 3rd place – Smokers’ Rescue
• 2nd place – SmokeMasters Barbecue
• 1st place – Pork Addiction

Pulled Pork

• 5th place – 10 Bones BBQ
• 4th place – Saving smokers
• 3rd place – Fat Head Barbecue
• 2nd place – SmokeMasters Barbecue
• 1st place – Poker Porkers

Ribs

• 5th place – Robinson Smokehouse
• 4th place – Poker Porkers
• 3rd Place – Grind City BBQ Company
• 2nd place – Grind City Smokers
• 1st place – SmokeMasters Barbecue