Please click on the image above to view a 45-second clip (3.8 Mb), "BBQ HeartnSoul",
to hear the appeal of barbecue competition. This is a collage of images and soundbites
taken from "Inside The World of Championship Barbecue."
To view this movie (or the audio clips below) requires Quicktime 5, or greater (Mac or PC),
available as a free download.
The pictures below are from the 2003 American Royal Barbecue contest, and include
many of the biggest names in the sport of barbecue competition. The people shown in this gallery are also featured in the Inside The World of Championship Barbecue video, offering their tips and advice how to be successful in competition.
2 Fat Larrys
Veteran Larry Mayes, and the other Larry prepare at the American Royal.
North Woods Mesquitoes
Scott Jones and Wayne Hurst discuss their ambitions for their very first barbecue competition.
Royal Oak Cooking Team
Jeff Stehney gets ready to check his pork ribs for doneness. His passion for barbecue, and attention to detail is legendary.
Chris Lilly, a top competitor,
demonstrates what a perfectly done shoulder looks like. And he should know, his pork shoulder has won many championship awards.
Hoosier Hogs
Fred Edwards talks about
dry rubs, and just the right
spice combinations for the
different meats.
Konrad Haskins, a relative
newcomer but a successful
competitor nonetheless,
demonstrates how to
BBQ chicken on his big Weber Kettle.
The Right Call
Jeremy Smith attends to
his cooker, and has his own
story to tell during
this competition.
drbbq.com Ray Lampe, a consumate
cook, and teacher, gives a
little demonstration to
some barbecue fans.
Stephanie Kozeny
Barbecue competitions are
quite boring events as
these fans clearly show.
Actually, if you are
able to follow behind the
scenes they are fascinating
and exciting to watch.
Karen Putnam
Karen Putnam, a veteran competitor also fills in as table captain during this year's invitational.
Wayne Lohman
Wayne Lohman, KCBS Master Judge, MIM Certified Judge, enters a judging score.
A tender piece of chicken being examined by a discerning judge.
A fine illustration of the meticulous care these cooks dedicate to their craft. It is almost as though they are painting a picture, layer upon layer over time.
The Rib Doctor
Hayward Harris is serious about competing, but also enjoys the fun-loving nature of the sport, and his fellow competitors.
Sweet Time BBQ
Frank Boyer preparing his presentation box amidst a mountain of lettuce.
Royal Oak Cooking Team
Joe Davidson of "Oklahoma Joe" fame offers his advice to new competitors.
A common method employed to keep the meat moist, and build up a layer of bark during the cooking process. Often apple juice is used for this purpose.
Larry Mayes readies his cooker rig for the event.
Smokin Triggers
Johnny Trigg, another top competitor, as he applies sauce to his chicken.
Lotta Bull
And a lot of heart; Mike Davis is not only a top competitor, he embodies the soul of this sport.
Ardie Davis, aka Remus Powers
Ardie Davis officiating the swearing in ceremony for the judges.
The Baron and His Pitmasters
Arguably one of the biggest names in barbecue, Paul Kirk demonstrates to an audience of fans.
