“World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest Heats Up in Memphis”

The scent of smoky barbecue fills the air in Memphis, Tennessee as pitmasters from across the country gather to compete in the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest. This prestigious event, dating back to the 1970s, has grown in popularity and intensity over the years, with over $150,000 in prize money up for grabs.

Teams from 22 states and four foreign countries are vying for the title of “best in pork” in categories such as ribs, shoulder, and whole hog. Among the competitors are Brad Orrison and Brooke Lewis, siblings from Mississippi who have won the grand championship twice as part of their team, The Shed BBQ and Blues Joint.

For Orrison and Lewis, the competition is like the Super Bowl of swine, with each team meticulously preparing their dishes for the judges. The atmosphere is both friendly and competitive, with teams supporting each other until the final day when tensions run high.

Memphis in May is not only a cooking contest but also a festival where barbecue enthusiasts come together to celebrate their shared passion. According to Orrison, the difficulty in judging lies in the fact that every team cooks the best food in the world, making it a tough decision for the judges.

As the competition heats up, only time will tell who will be crowned the overall grand champion at this year’s World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest. Stay tuned for updates on this mouth-watering event.