3 U.S. Cook-Offs You Can’t Miss: Cook Like a BBQ Pitmaster
288 Comments
Nothing ignites passion among grill enthusiasts quite like BBQ competitions. The smoky aroma, sizzling sounds, and mouthwatering displays of perfectly grilled meats create a vibrant celebration of culinary artistry. For aspiring BBQ pitmasters, attending these competitions is more than just fun—it's inspiration and education combined.
Ready to enhance your grilling skills this year? We've selected three can't-miss BBQ competitions happening from August through October 2025. Plus, discover why ThermoPro's innovative, Red Dot Award-winning TempSpike Pro can turn your home grill into a professional-grade cooking station.
Why Attend a BBQ Cook-Off?
BBQ cook-offs provide a unique opportunity to learn directly from top pitmasters. You'll gather tips, tricks, and recipes you can't easily find online. Attending these events gives you:
- Expert Advice: Direct access to professional competitors willing to share their knowledge.
- Fresh Inspiration: New ideas for rubs, sauces, and grilling techniques.
- Community Connection: Meet fellow grillers and enthusiasts who share your passion.
Here are three top BBQ events to mark on your calendar.
Smokin'on the Harbor BBQ Competition – Charleston, South Carolina
Date: August 15-16, 2025
Held on Charleston's picturesque harbor, Smokin'on the Harbor gathers bbq pitmasters from all over the Southeast, showcasing their unique regional barbecue styles. Known for its seafood flair and traditional Southern BBQ staples, this competition is perfect for grillers seeking culinary inspiration beyond typical pork and beef.
- Why You Should Attend: Sample award-winning dishes, explore coastal grilling techniques, and enjoy South Carolina hospitality.
- Pro Tip: Use this event to learn new seafood grilling methods alongside traditional pork barbecue.
American Royal World Series of Barbecue – Kansas City, Missouri
Date: September 17-21, 2025
Known as the largest BBQ competition in the world, the American Royal is iconic. Teams worldwide compete fiercely, presenting meticulously grilled ribs, briskets, pulled pork, chicken, and more. It's a global stage for barbecue excellence.
- Why You Should Attend: Network with barbecue legends, witness high-level grilling, and attend informative BBQ workshops and cooking demos.
- Pro Tip: Observe how bbq pitmasters manage consistent temperatures over extended cooking sessions—a critical factor you can easily master with the right equipment.
Jack Daniel's World Championship Invitational Barbecue – Lynchburg, Tennessee
Date: October 24-25, 2025
"The Jack" is the pinnacle of competitive barbecue, an invitational event where only champion-level teams get the honor to compete. Held in historic Lynchburg, home of Jack Daniel's Distillery, this prestigious event highlights BBQ mastery at its finest.
- Why You Should Attend: Witness elite barbecue in action, learn insider secrets of top competitors, and enjoy the unique blend of barbecue and whiskey culture.
- Pro Tip: Pay attention to precision cooking methods employed by competitors. Achieving exact temperatures is crucial—something easily replicated with the ThermoPro TempSpike Pro.
Why BBQ Pitmasters Rely on Precise Temperatures
Whether you're grilling for friends or competing in front of judges, temperature control is the key difference between amateur and professional results. BBQ experts know that relying on intuition or visual checks isn't reliable. Precision temperature measurement ensures meat reaches safe, optimal doneness without drying out or undercooking.
That's where ThermoPro steps in.
ThermoPro TP980 TempSpike Pro Wi-Fi Meat Thermometer, a proud recipient of the prestigious Red Dot Design Award, redefines smart grilling with award-winning design and cutting-edge functionality trusted by pros and backyard chefs alike.
Here's why the ThermoPro TempSpike Pro is your ultimate grilling companion:
Total Wireless Freedom with Wi-Fi + Bluetooth
With dual connectivity (Wi-Fi and Bluetooth) and a 1060-foot wireless range, the ThermoPro TempSpike Pro gives you complete control from virtually anywhere. Check real-time cooking progress, receive alerts, and adjust settings—all from the comfort of your home using the ThermoPro App.
Quad-Sensor Precision for Pro-Level Results
Each probe features 4 built-in sensors—3 for monitoring different internal meat zones and 1 for ambient grill temperature—giving you unmatched visibility and accuracy. The ThermoPro TempSpike Pro supports up to 4 probes simultaneously, allowing you to monitor multiple cuts or dishes at once with total precision.
Red Dot Award-Winning Design
Awarded for its sleek ergonomics, intuitive smartphone app, and durable stainless-steel build, the ThermoPro TempSpike Pro combines function and elegance. It's both user-friendly and rugged enough for competitive-level grilling.
Read more on our Red Dot Award page to see why the ThermoPro TempSpike Pro stood out from thousands of entries.
How ThermoPro TempSpike Pro Helps You Grill Like a Champion
Pitmasters rely on accurate, reliable temperature readings. The ThermoPro TempSpike Pro provides competition-level precision, enabling you to deliver consistently impressive barbecue results:
- Perfect Results Every Time: With precise temperature alerts, the ThermoPro TempSpike Pro ensures your meat is always grilled to optimal tenderness and flavor.
- Multi-Tasking Made Easy: Wireless monitoring lets you enjoy your cookout without stress, alerting you only when your attention is truly needed.
- Competitive Confidence: Accurate temperature control helps you achieve professional-grade grilling results at home, boosting your BBQ confidence.
Pitmaster Secrets: Grilling Tips with ThermoPro TempSpike Pro
Ready to grill like a champion? Incorporate these proven tips along with your the ThermoPro TempSpike Pro for unbeatable results:
- Know Your Temperatures: Pork shoulder achieves ideal tenderness at around 203°F, while ribs are best between 195–203°F. The ThermoPro TempSpike Pro's precise alerts help you achieve these exact temperatures effortlessly.
- Let Your Meat Rest: Rest grilled meats for 10–20 minutes after cooking to enhance juiciness. The ThermoPro app conveniently reminds you to remove your meat at the perfect moment for resting.
- Maintain Stable Heat: The ambient temperature sensor allows you to keep your grill at the ideal cooking temperature, ensuring consistent results throughout your grilling process.
Bring Pitmaster-Level Grilling Home with ThermoPro
With the Red Dot Award-winning TempSpike Pro wireless meat thermometer, professional-level grilling isn't just for BBQ competitions—it's achievable right in your backyard. Attend one or all of these upcoming BBQ events, gather expert tips, and then replicate pitmaster techniques at home with unmatched accuracy.
Take your BBQ skills from average to extraordinary. Get your ThermoPro TP980 ThermoPro TempSpike Pro Wi-Fi meat thermometer today and grill like a champion all season long.
Comments
You May Also Like
ThermoPro' Competitive BBQ Teams Win Big at World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest 2025
10 Sizzling BBQ Party Hacks Your Guests Will Rave About
How to Protect Yourself from BBQ Smoke
Recommended product
