SmokeSlam Team Registration Sells Out and Opens Waitlist; Call for Judges Now Open

Memphis Mayor’s Office Partners with Melissa Cookston’s World Junior BBQ League for SmokeSlam Bootcamp

MEMPHIS, Tenn., Feb. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — SmokeSlam, ‘The World’s Ultimate BBQ Showdown,’ today announced team registration is officially closed with 73 teams set to compete; teams are now being added to a waitlist. A significant number of spaces were added this year due to overwhelming demand. There are 52 teams returning to the famed competition this year including Grand Champion SmokeMasters BBQ, Pulled Pork Category winner Poker Porkers, and Whole Hog category winner Hog Addiction. This year, SmokeSlam has teams coming from 11 different states and one team from Canada.

“We’re so fortunate to be able to expand our footprint on the river this year. We sold out before we expected to and all the teams are so excited for May at Tom Lee Park,” said Patrick Galphin, Director of Team Relations and Competition, SmokeSlam. “With seven-time world BBQ Champion Melissa Cookston coming on board as our spokesperson, her input into making the team experience world-class is game-changing.”

With the expansion of ancillaries and the teams’ ability to compete in all categories, there will be 591 different items judged this year with 162 being pork and 429 ancillary entries. Of the 73 teams, 31 are competing in all 3 pork categories (Ribs, Whole Hog, and Pulled Pork) and 55 teams are competing in at least 2 pork categories.

“I couldn’t be more thrilled to hear that SmokeSlam is once again sold out, and I look forward to defending our title as the reigning Grand Champions of the south’s best BBQ festival! When it comes to Memphis BBQ, there are a few things that are iconic: Tom Lee Park, Old Man River, and that sweet smoke rolling off the bluff,” said Will ‘Uncle Woo’ Hair, Pitmaster, SmokeMasters BBQ. “We can’t wait to see what new and exciting things they have in store for us on the river this year!”

Melissa Cookston’s nonprofit World Junior BBQ League returns for the second year with a prize purse of $25,000 up for grabs. In anticipation of more participation from teenagers this year, Cookston, in partnership with the Memphis Office of Youth Services, will be hosting a one-day bootcamp for 14-18-year-old BBQ enthusiasts on March 8th at the BBQ Allstars in Southaven. Cookston and her team will teach the fundamentals of competition BBQ from fire management to presentation while helping them hone their skills to impress SmokeSlam judges on taste, appearance, texture and more. Organizers are expecting over 40 young people to participate.  

“We are thrilled to partner with SmokeSlam and the World Junior BBQ League and hope this relationship grows in years to come. We stand together in our mission to provide young people with opportunities to learn new skills and, in Memphis, it only makes sense for those lessons to happen around our shared passion for BBQ,” added Memphis Mayor Paul Young.

The collaboration between Mayor Young’s office, SmokeSlam, and the World Junior BBQ League is a win-win for all concerned:

“Memphis has a rich barbecue tradition, and working with the Mayor’s Office and local youth advocates to introduce young people to the spirit of competitive BBQ is incredibly rewarding. At the World Junior BBQ League, our mission is to help them develop leadership, teamwork, strategic thinking, and grace under pressure. Competitive BBQ provides the perfect hands-on environment to instill these values while fostering a passion for the craft and the community it creates,” said Melissa Cookston, SmokeSlam spokesperson and World Junior BBQ League founder.

Additionally, SmokeSlam has opened up registration for judges now through April 15th. Judging will be sanctioned by Memphis Barbecue Network, World Food Championships or World Junior BBQ League depending on the category. To apply visit https://SmokeSlam.com/judgeregistration.

About SmokeSlam

SmokeSlam is the World’s Ultimate BBQ Showdown, attracting teams from all over the country competing for the largest purse in barbecue history. SmokeSlam is more than a barbecue competition; it is a complete experience, bringing live music and barbecue together at Tom Lee Park on the banks of the great Mississippi River in Memphis, TN in May. Produced by Mempho Presents, SmokeSlam takes the experience of BBQ to a whole new level. For more information, visit www.SmokeSlam.com.

Media Contact:
Lindsay Stevens
2132009638
[email protected]

SOURCE SmokeSlam