About the Southeastern BBQ Showdown 2024 Competition
April 8, 2025
April 8, 2025
The inaugural Southeastern BBQ Showdown was held on June 14-15, 2024 at Segra Park in Columbia, South Carolina, home of the Columbia Fireflies Minor League Baseball team. The event set the precedent as the “first food sport competition to be held in a sports stadium in the United States,” and featured 23 teams from 15 states and 2 countries competing to win the title of Grand Champion and a golden ticket straight to the 2024 World Food Championships in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Barbecue enthusiasts gathered to witness these top pitmasters compete for prestigious titles and hefty prizes, showcasing their skills in a variety of categories on Lang BBQ Smokers. The event included a vendor expo, shag music from Band of Oz, barbecue samples, a concert from multi-Grammy® award-winning group Alabama, a fireworks finale, and a whole lot of fun! Champions Barbecue Alliance (CBA) served as the sanctioning body for the 2024 event.
“The Southeastern BBQ Showdown was an out-of-the-park cookoff and event, from the event emcee, Mark Conway, to the host, Capital City/Lake Murray Country and the Segra Park staff, as well as the community. You would have never thought that this was a first year event with all the many moving parts and all of the organization,” shared CBA Out of State Area Ambassador, Steven Pfeiffer.
CBA Board of Director/Event Representative, Ronda Pfeiffer said, “It was a great privilege and honor that Champions BBQ Alliance was chosen to run the first part of the BBQ challenge. The Southeastern BBQ Showdown was a blast and one of our favorite events. We cannot wait to see what’s in store for next!”
Robert Smith and Brian Keen of First Class BBQ from Hempstead, Texas, took home the $10,000 cash prize, the title of Grand Champion, and a Golden Ticket to compete at the 2024 World Food Championships. Known for their dedication to barbecue perfection, First Class BBQ showcased why they are a top contender in the competitive barbecue circuit, dazzling the judges and audience alike with their exceptional skills and flavors.
You can check out the full lineup of results from the 2024 competition here.
The Southeastern BBQ Showdown Excursion television show, hosted by David Zelski, had a two-part premiere on 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 Bally Sports Southeast throughout September 2024. In addition, Part I of the show will air on the Cooking Channel on April 19, 2025 at 7 PM EST, with Part II airing on April 26, 2025 at 7 PM EST.
Watch both Part I and Part II of the Southeastern BBQ Showdown Excursion show on our YouTube channel!
Chef Brian DuffyChef Brian Duffy is a leading figure in the culinary world who has spearheaded a global restaurant consultancy. Chef Duffy is most known from making frequent appearances on Spike TV’s “Bar Rescue” series, where he tours the country to help reform failing bars and restaurants. Duffy is also the creator and host of “Duffified Live,” travel and talk show with an over-the-top approach to eating, drinking, and experiences. Duffy made his national on-camera debut over 17 years ago on the Food Network and has since appeared on countless networks and streaming platforms, all while actively exploring his passions for BBQ, traveling, and writing. Duffy also has experience competing on the Food Network’s “BBQ Brawl” competition show.
Mark HenryMark Henry is a two-time Olympian, Pan American Games gold medalist, and Arnold Strongman Classic champion, who is widely recognized as “The World’s Strongest Man.” A world-record-holding powerlifter, Henry dominated a 25-year career in the WWE, where he became a fan favorite for his immense strength and charismatic “Hall of Pain” persona. He held the World Heavyweight Championship and became one of WWE’s most feared superstars. His remarkable career culminated in his 2018 induction into the WWE Hall of Fame. Today, Henry remains an influential figure in strength sports and wrestling, sharing his expertise as a commentator, trainer, and ambassador for athletes worldwide.
Mayor Daniel RickenmannDaniel Rickenmann is the 71st Mayor of the City of Columbia, SC. He is an innovative entrepreneur and a dedicated public servant with a passion for improving the quality of life for all in the Palmetto State’s Capital City. Rickenmann’s political career began in 2002 when he was elected to the Columbia City Council. During his 14-year tenure on the council, he was a vocal advocate for fiscal responsibility, public safety, and infrastructure improvements. A serial entrepreneur, he was an owner and partner of several restaurants in the city, and is currently a partner in several ventures, including renewable energy development, a food production company, and other small projects.