Compete for glory and great prizes
Get ready to fire up your grills! Discover the exciting prizes awaiting the champions of the 2026 Smoke Over Holston Barbecue Competition. From significant cash awards to ultimate bragging rights, find out what you can win.
Prizes for the 2026 competition
The Smoke Over Holston Barbecue Competition offers a range of enticing prizes designed to reward the best pitmasters and create unforgettable moments. Compete for cash, free entries, and the ultimate bragging rights in the barbecue world.
| Grand champion | Prize details |
|---|---|
| Cash prize | $1,000 |
| Free entry | 2027 Competition |
| People's choice champion | Prize details |
|---|---|
| Cash prize | $1,000 |
| Free entry | 2027 Competition |
| Category payouts | Prize details |
|---|---|
| 1st place | $250 |
| 2nd place | $100 |
| Categories include: | |
|---|---|
| Chicken | |
| Boston butt | |
| Ribs | |
| Brisket | |
| Wings | |
| Chili | |
| Most creative dish | |
| Baked beans |
| Mystery item challenge | Prize details |
|---|---|
| Entry fee | $25 |
| Winner | Takes the pot! |
The Mystery Item category is a separate competition and does not count toward Grand Champion. All entry fees collected for this challenge are paid back as prize money, meaning the more teams that enter, the bigger the payout for the winner!
Earn your bragging rights
Beyond the cash and free entries, winning at Smoke Over Holston secures your reputation as a top pitmaster. This is your chance to gain ultimate bragging rights and establish yourself among the barbecue elite.