Memphis in May barbecue contest featured on Food Network's 'BBQ USA.' Here's when to watch

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The Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest will make an appearance on Food Network on Aug. 28.

Food Network's “BBQ USA,” starring celebrity chef and host Michael Symon, stopped by the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest in May.

This year, Symon competed with the Bone Thugs and BBQ team. The whole hog team came in 22nd overall.

The episode titled “Memphis Mayhem” documents Symon as he assembles his dream team to take on more than 150 teams from across the globe at the prestigious barbecue cookoff.

Celebrity chef Michael Symon works with the Bone Thugs and BBQ team during the Memphis In May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest, as seen on an episode of "BBQ USA."
Celebrity chef Michael Symon works with the Bone Thugs and BBQ team during the Memphis In May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest, as seen on an episode of "BBQ USA."

Facing fierce competitors, Symon and his team focus on the whole hog category and dive into the hot wings, sauce and "Anything But Pork" categories. Symon’s team includes a mix of top pitmasters and culinary experts, including Joe Pearce, Susie Bulloch, Luke Darnell and Esther Choi.

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Each week on “BBQ USA,” Symon immerses viewers in the heart of American barbecue culture, celebrating its unique flavors, traditions and the talented pitmasters competing for cash prizes and the ultimate recognition as masters of their craft. Season Two is packed with exciting new barbecue festivals in unexpected locations, featuring fun new competition categories with some surprises.

The Season Two episode of "BBQ USA" featuring the legendary Memphis competition airs at 9 p.m. Aug. 28 on Food Network. The show is also streaming on Hulu, YouTube TV, Sling TV and DirecTV Stream.

Jennifer Chandler is the Food & Dining reporter at The Commercial Appeal. She can be reached at jennifer.chandler@commercialappeal.com and you can follow her on Twitter and Instagram at @cookwjennifer. 

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This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Food Network's 'BBQ USA' to feature Memphis barbecue contest