Southeastern BBQ Showdown 2026 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

April 16, 2025

Reading Time: 3 minutes

This is the official Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for the 2026 Southeastern BBQ Showdown. Whether you’re a first-time guest, a returning fan, or one of the competitors, you’ll find answers here to the most common questions—so you’re ready to enjoy all the flavor, fun, and excitement the showdown has to offer.

What is the Southeastern BBQ Showdown?

The Southeastern BBQ Showdown is an electrifying food competition that brings together top barbecue teams from across the country for a thrilling, taste-filled cook-off. Teams go head-to-head in this spectacular display of culinary talent to compete for prestigious titles and hefty prizes, all while striving to showcase their skills in a variety of cook-off categories. Attendees have the chance to sample a variety of barbecue styles and flavors, participate in interactive exhibits, and enjoy live entertainment. This one-of-a-kind event offers a blend of competitive cooking, live demonstrations, and a festive atmosphere, celebrating the art of barbecue with a grand finale including live music and fireworks.

When and where is the event?

Dates: April 24-25, 2026
Location: Gamecock Park – Columbia, South Carolina

Who is the emcee for 2026?

We’re thrilled to announce that Steven Raichlen, bestselling author of The Barbecue! Bible and host of hit TV shows like Planet Barbecue™, Project Fire, and Barbecue University™—will serve as the official Emcee. His BBQ expertise and dynamic personality will make this year’s event unforgettable!

Who are the celebrity judges?

  • Chef Brian Duffy – Culinary expert and restaurateur known for his numerous television appearances on the series Bar Rescue and the Food Network, returns to the SEBBQSD for a second helping!
  • Pitmaster Rodney Scott – Owner of Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog BBQ in Charleston, SC, Named “Best Chef: Southeast” by the James Beard Foundation (2018), and featured on Netflix’s Chef’s Table: BBQ (2020).
  • Connor Shaw – A former NFL quarterback and South Carolina Gamecock legend who now recruits for the University following his NFL playing career with the Cleveland Browns and Chicago Bears.
  • Myron Mixon – A five-time world barbecue champion and widely known as the “winningest man in barbecue” has appeared as a judge on popular television shows like BBQ Pitmasters, BBQ Pit Wars, and Chopped.

What can I expect at the event?

  • A high-stakes barbecue competition featuring elite teams from across the globe
  • Food sampling from award-winning pitmasters
  • Interactive exhibits and family-friendly attractions
  • Live music 
  • VIP and general admission experiences
  • Celebrity judges and surprise guests

Who were the 2024 champions?

First Class BBQ from Texas, led by Head Chef Robert Smith, won the Grand Champion title and took home $10,000 in prize money and a golden ticket to the World Food Championships at the 2024 Showdown. Check out the full lineup of results from the 2024 Showdown here.

Can I watch the 2024 Showdown?

Yes! The Southeastern BBQ Showdown Excursion television show, hosted by David Zelski, had a two-part premiere on FanDuel Sports Network (formerly Bally Sports Southeast), with Part I premiering on September 7, followed by Part II on September 14, 2024. Both parts of the show were re-aired on FanDuel Sports Network throughout September 2024. Watch both Part I and Part II of the Southeastern BBQ Showdown Excursion show on our YouTube channel! Part I of the show aired on the Cooking Channel on April 19, 2025, followed by Part II on April 26, 2025.

Who were the 2024 celebrity judges?

The star-studded 2024 panel included:

  • Mark Henry – WWE Hall of Famer
  • Chef Brian Duffy – Culinary expert from Bar Rescue and the Food Network
  • Mayor Daniel Rickenmann – City of Columbia

When do tickets go on sale?

Tickets will go on sale in the fall of 2025. 

How can I stay updated?

Follow @SoutheasternBBQShowdown on Facebook and Instagram and visit SoutheasternBBQShowdown.com for the latest news, ticket info, and exclusive sneak peeks.