From WREG Memphis -
For the first time in 42 years, the MIM BBQ contest has a back-to-back grand champion.
Heath Riles BBQ was crowned the 2026 World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest grand champion at the 2026 World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest after days of smoke, fire and fierce competition among pitmasters from around the world.
Winners were announced Saturday night during the annual competition, which is part of Memphis in May International Festival.
Here’s a look at some of this year’s top winners:
- Bubba Grills won the Grilling Green Award
- Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q claimed the Kingsford Tour of Champions title
- Bugsby Que earned the Patio Porker title
Additional category winners included:
- Heath Riles BBQ took first place in ribs
- Smoke BBQ won first place in shoulder
- Will Be Que won the whole hog category
