Austin Gears Up for Record-Setting BBQ Showdown
Austin, Texas – The aroma of smoke and spices will once again fill the air at the Travis County Exposition Center as the Texas Grand Championship BBQ Cook-Off returns on March 15-16, 2025. Organized by the esteemed Texas BBQ Association (TBA), this year’s event is poised to shatter previous participation records, welcoming a staggering 350 competition teams from across the Lone Star State.
The significant increase in competing teams underscores the growing popularity and competitive spirit surrounding Texas barbecue. It also highlights the prestige associated with the Texas Grand Championship, widely regarded as one of the premier events on the competitive barbecue circuit. Teams will vie for top honors in traditional categories, but the 2025 cook-off introduces an exciting new dimension set to challenge even the most seasoned pitmasters: the highly anticipated “Wagyu Brisket” category.
New Category Adds Premium Challenge
The inclusion of a dedicated category for Wagyu Brisket marks a notable evolution for the championship. Wagyu, known for its intense marbling and rich flavor profile, presents a unique cooking challenge compared to conventional beef briskets. Pitmasters will need to adapt their techniques, focusing on managing the higher fat content and preserving the meat’s inherent tenderness and taste. This new category is expected to draw significant attention and showcase the elite skill level required to perfectly prepare this premium cut.
Beyond the innovative Wagyu challenge, teams will compete across the bedrock categories of Texas barbecue: traditional Beef Brisket, Pork Ribs, and Chicken. These categories demand mastery of low-and-slow cooking methods, precise temperature control, and expert seasoning – skills that define championship-caliber barbecue. Winning any single category is a significant achievement, but claiming the coveted Grand Champion title requires consistent excellence across multiple disciplines.
Defending Champions Eye Historic Three-Peat
Adding to the competitive drama, “Smokin’ Joe’s Pitmasters” from Lockhart, Texas, have confirmed their participation. The team, which secured back-to-back Grand Championship victories in the previous two installments of the event, is setting its sights on an unprecedented third consecutive title. A three-peat win would cement their legacy in competitive Texas barbecue history, a feat rarely accomplished and requiring sustained dedication, innovation, and flawless execution under pressure. All eyes will undoubtedly be on Smokin’ Joe’s as they attempt to defend their reign against the largest field of competitors the event has ever seen.
Elevated Stakes with Increased Prize Pool
The intensity of the competition is further amplified by a significant increase in the total prize money available. For the 2025 championship, the prize pool has been elevated to a substantial $50,000. This considerable sum not only adds financial incentive but also attracts a higher caliber of competitive teams from across the state, all eager to claim a portion of the winnings and the bragging rights that come with success at this level. The increased prize pool is a testament to the growth and stature of the Texas Grand Championship BBQ Cook-Off within the national barbecue landscape.
A Festival for BBQ Enthusiasts
The Travis County Exposition Center provides an expansive venue capable of hosting the massive scale of the event. Beyond the competitive arenas where teams meticulously tend their smokers, the cook-off is a major draw for the public. Officials anticipate attendance to exceed 20,000 visitors over the two-day period. Attendees can look forward to immersing themselves in the vibrant culture of Texas barbecue, which typically includes opportunities to sample world-class barbecue, browse vendors offering related goods and services, and experience the lively atmosphere that accompanies a large-scale competition.
The Texas Grand Championship BBQ Cook-Off serves as a vital platform for celebrating the state’s rich barbecue heritage while also pushing the boundaries of the craft with new challenges like the Wagyu Brisket category. With a record number of teams, elevated prizes, and the potential for a historic three-peat, the March 15-16, 2025, event in Austin is shaping up to be an unmissable spectacle for both competitors and barbecue enthusiasts alike. The stage is set for a fierce, flavorful, and record-breaking championship that will undoubtedly add another exciting chapter to the history of Texas barbecue.
