Barbecue is more than just food—it’s a time-honored tradition and, for many, a competitive sport. Across the United States, thousands of pitmasters and teams battle it out at sanctioned BBQ contests, showcasing their skills in smoking meat to perfection.

Two of the biggest organizations governing these competitions are the Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS) and the Memphis Barbecue Network (MBN). While both celebrate the craft of barbecue, they have distinct formats, judging criteria, and traditions. If you’re interested in competitive BBQ, this guide will walk you through the key differences, similarities, and main events of these two major sanctioning bodies.

The Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS)

History and Growth

Founded in 1985 in Kansas City, Missouri, the Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS) has grown to become the largest competitive barbecue organization in the world. With over 15,000 members and more than 300 sanctioned competitions per year, KCBS has played a pivotal role in shaping modern BBQ contests.

The Kansas City style of barbecue is known for its low-and-slow smoking method and sweet, tomato-based sauces. This influence is reflected in KCBS competitions, where competitors smoke meats to achieve the perfect balance of tenderness, texture, and flavor.

KCBS Competition Format & Judging

KCBS contests revolve around four meat categories:

1. Chicken
2. Pork Ribs
3. Pork Shoulder (Pulled Pork)
4. Beef Brisket

To win the Grand Championship, teams must compete in all four categories, submitting their best smoked meats in official turn-in boxes.

The judging process is blind, meaning judges do not know which team prepared which entry. KCBS uses a point-based scoring system, evaluating meats based on:

• Appearance (0-9 points)
• Taste (0-9 points)
• Tenderness (0-9 points)

The team with the highest combined score across all categories takes home the Grand Champion title.

Major KCBS Event: The American Royal

The American Royal World Series of Barbecue is the largest sanctioned barbecue competition in the world. Held annually in Kansas City, it attracts hundreds of top teams from around the globe. This event serves as the Super Bowl of KCBS barbecue, featuring both an invitational championship and an open competition where teams showcase their best barbecue.

The Memphis Barbecue Network (MBN)

History and Growth

The Memphis Barbecue Network (MBN) has its roots in Memphis in May, an iconic barbecue competition held since the 1970s. MBN officially formed as a governing body to continue Memphis-style barbecue traditions and sanction competitions across the country.

Unlike KCBS, which incorporates multiple meat types, MBN competitions focus exclusively on pork, embracing the region’s love for slow-smoked, flavorful barbecue.

MBN Competition Format & Judging

MBN competitions center around three categories:

1. Whole Hog – Competitors smoke an entire hog for submission.
2. Pork Shoulder – A single pork shoulder, slow-cooked to perfection.
3. Pork Ribs – St. Louis-style or baby back ribs, seasoned and smoked.

Teams may enter one or multiple categories, but unlike KCBS, they are not required to compete in all three to qualify for the top prize.

What makes MBN judging unique is its two-part system:

• Blind Judging – Just like KCBS, meats are scored on taste, tenderness, and appearance.
• On-Site Judging – Judges visit each team’s cooking station, where competitors present their barbecue, explain their cooking process, and offer samples. Presentation and engagement with the judges can significantly impact scoring.

MBN emphasizes showmanship and storytelling, making it a more interactive competition compared to KCBS.

Major MBN Event: Memphis in May

The Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest is the premier event for MBN teams. Often called the “Super Bowl of Swine,” this competition attracts some of the best pitmasters in the world. Unlike KCBS events, which are more rigid in structure, Memphis in May encourages creativity, presentation, and unique flavors.

Key Differences Between KCBS and MBN

Similarities Between KCBS and MBN

Despite their differences, both organizations share several core principles:
✔ Commitment to high-quality barbecue – Both KCBS and MBN ensure that top-tier barbecue is recognized and celebrated.
✔ Large-scale competitions – Each sanctioning body hosts massive events drawing competitors from across the country.
✔ Structured rules and judging – Both organizations have clear guidelines for fair judging and scoring.
✔ Passionate BBQ communities – Thousands of teams, judges, and fans participate in these contests annually.

Which BBQ Competition is Right for You?

If you’re looking for a versatile barbecue competition with multiple meats, strict judging rules, and global reach, KCBS is your best bet.

On the other hand, if you love pork-centric barbecue, enjoy a more interactive competition, and want the opportunity to present your cooking process to judges, then MBN is the way to go.

Both organizations celebrate the artistry and passion behind competitive barbecue, so whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or just starting out, there’s a place for you in the world of competition BBQ.

Final Thoughts

Competitive barbecue continues to thrive, thanks to organizations like KCBS and MBN. These two governing bodies have shaped the sport, set high standards for judging, and created a thriving community of pitmasters. Whether you dream of winning a KCBS Grand Championship or taking home the Whole Hog title at Memphis in May, there’s no shortage of opportunity in the world of barbecue competitions.

Are you part of a KCBS or MBN competition team? Share your experiences in the comments below!

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