SmokeSlam announces first grand champion

Courtney Anderson
·2 min read

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — SmokeSlam has announced the grand champion of the inaugural three-day festival in Tom Lee Park.

SmokeMasters BBQ took the top prize Saturday night, winning a total of $90,000 over the weekend event. The festival was judged by the Memphis Barbecue Network.

“We’re so proud of the MBN for making this happen and getting through this with all the mud-slinging that’s happened. I can’t describe it. I really can’t. I’m a little lost for words,” SmokeMasters BBQ Pitmaster Will Hair said. “We’ve made a lot of large changes to our process in the last two months and they’re finally paying off, and I’m thrilled. I’m absolutely thrilled,”

SmokeSlam announces winners of the World Food Championship Awards

Hair also celebrated his 50th birthday on Saturday, saying, “This is the best birthday present ever!”

SmokeSlam is set to return to Tom Lee Park on May 15-17, 2025.

“The teams that decided to come to SmokeSlam are all excellent teams. It was very hard to distinguish my scores because the teams were all high caliber and they were all happy to be here and excited about the opportunity to try something new here at the river,” said onsite judge Neysa Rhodes. “SmokeSlam just ran very smoothly the whole weekend.”

SmokeSlam also announced the winners of each barbecue category. Each first-place winner received $15,000 and a “golden ticket” to the World Food Championships.

Whole Hog

  • 5th Place – High Hog BBQ

  • 4th Place – Fat Head BBQ

  • 3rd Place – Rescue Smokers

  • 2nd Place – SmokeMasters BBQ

  • 1st Place – Hog Addiction

Pulled Pork

  • 5th Place – 10 Bones BBQ

  • 4th Place – Rescue Smokers

  • 3rd Place – Fat Head BBQ

  • 2nd Place – SmokeMasters BBQ

  • 1st Place – Poker Porkers

Ribs

  • 5th Place – Robinson Smokehouse

  • 4th Place – Poker Porkers

  • 3rd Place – Grind City BBQ Company

  • 2nd Place – Grind City Smokers

  • 1st Place – SmokeMasters BBQ

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