The 30th Annual Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational BBQ was held Oct. 27. A total of 102 U.S. and international teams came together to The Jack Grand Champion.
Judges and more than 25,000 fans will join competitive barbecue’s best of the best as they compete for the coveted title of Grand Champion in what is widely considered the world’s most prestigious barbecue competition.
With a score difference of .0116, Butcher BBQ walked away with the Grand Champion and Iowa’s Smokey D’s BBQ took home the Reserve Grand Champion.
To compete at The Jack, teams either have to win seven Grand Champions throughout the year, or they have to win one qualifying Grand Champion and have their name drawn to earn an invitation.
Teams from the United States and international teams from as far away as Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Poland and Sweden will compete in seven categories – Pork Ribs, Pork Shoulder/Butts, Beef Brisket, Chicken, Dessert, Cook’s Choice and Jack Daniel’s Sauce.
Other activities include original games such as the Country Dog Contest, Butt Bowling and Bung and Bag Toss competitions. Games begin Saturday at 11 a.m. and continue throughout the day. Tours of the Jack Daniel Distillery from the Visitor Center will also be available from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Barbecue judging starts at 11:30 a.m., and the awards presentation will take place at 5 p.m.
Admission to the 29th Annual Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational Barbecue is a voluntary donation to the Moore County School system.