June 5-8, 2025

SD BBQ Championships

south dakota bbq championships logo
2024 Original SD BBQ Championships - June 7 and 8

The Original South Dakota BBQ Championships was started in 2007 and is a sanctioned event through the Kansas City BBQ Society (KCBS) held in Huron, SD on the SD State Fairgrounds in conjunction with Wheel Jam.

Starting on Friday, June 7, the event kicks off with the KCBS sanctioned one meat rib contest. In the evening is the F.A.T. Friday Chili Challenge, where the public is invited to participate in the people’s choice contest.

On Saturday, June 8, contestants can also compete in the four meat master series competition, the contest that started it all for the Original SD BBQ Championships.The Backyard BBQ People’s Choice competition is also held on Saturday, June 8.

2024 KCBS Master Series Contest Winners

2024 Winners 
(KCBS Master Series and Ribs, Turkey Smoke, Backyard BBQ, Kids Que, and Chili Challenge) 

The event is possible because of the event sponsors.

Check out the complete list of sponsors!

KCBS logo 

The Original SD BBQ Championships offers:

  • KCBS sanctioned event
  • $14,000 total KCBS purse
  • Payout to Top 10 for each category as well as payouts to Top 5 Overall
  • High CBJ % rate
  • Over $2,000 in other contest categories; Chili and Backyard BBQ
  • Early Bird Discount: Return form before April and receive $25 off your entry fee
  • Refer a new team and receive a $50 discount
  • One meat contest in addition to standard four meat contest

Venue offers:

  • 20 ft. x 50-65 ft. campsites
  • Electricity and water hookups provided at all campsites
  • 20 A/125V & 30A/125V available
  • Bathhouses with hot showers within walking distance
  • RV dump station on site
Committee Members:
Candi Briley | Bush Fullerton | Scott Cordts | Trevor Gerrits | Jason Briley
Ron Hines | Jan Gerrits | Jim Tharp | James Coates | James Shoultz | Laurie Shelton | Mario Azar | Brianna Johnson
Lone Wolf Spices logo.
Advanced Sunflower logo.
Humphrey THC logo.
Premier Equipment logo.
Zig’s Electric logo.
Montgomery Real Estate logo
Dakota Provisions logo
Potters Shoes logo
The Carpet Center logo
Carr Chiropractic Logo
Mack Metal Logo
American Lamb Board
SD Sheep Growers Logo
Trussbilt logos
Jack Links
Kepp's Chislic
Agtegra
Independent Health Solutions
Karl Blessinger
Protective Coating
South Dakota Pork Producers Council
Huron Daily Plainsman
Slumberland
CC Cattle logo.
Lincoln Auto logo.
TKS Haygrinding logo.

SD BBQ Championships Registration

The Original SD BBQ Championships is KCBS sanctioned, and features the standalone rib contest on Friday, June 7 and Master Series contest on Saturday, June 8.  

Benefits of the standalone rib contest:

  • Receive KCBS points in ribs category
  • Great for BBQ enthusiasts just starting out
  • Less pit/grill space is needed

Included on the entry form is the KCBS Master Series four meat contest, one meat contest, and Backyard BBQ People's Choice (not KCBS sanctioned).

2024 Entry Form

winners holding novelty check

Judging

KCBS representatives for the contest are Richard and Bunny Tuttle.

If you are interested in being a judge for the SD BBQ Championships, please fill out the forms below and send them to Candi Briley at SD State Fair, 1060 3rd St. SW, Huron, SD 57350 or email her. CBJs are given first preference for judging.

Judging Form - Friday

Judging Form - Saturday

Judging School

A KCBS judging school and table captain class will be held Saturday, April 13.  

Judging School Information

Chili Challenge and Backyard BBQ People’s Choice

Bring your friends, appetite, and thirst to the F.A.T. Friday Chili Challenge on Friday, June 7!  The people's choice public tasting is held on Friday evening! Think your chili reigns supreme? Enter it in the F.A.T. Friday Chili Challenge!

On Saturday, June 8, immediately following the Saturday KCBS competition is the “Backyard BBQ People’s Choice” event. This event is designed to give the public an opportunity to taste unique delicacies and to contribute to the SD State Fair Foundation. Meat is provided to Backyard BBQ contestants at no additional costs.

Learn more about the Chili Challenge and Backyard BBQ

chili team
Young man working a grill.

Kids Que

Kids, it’s your time to shine! With ground beef being the star, let your creativity run wild!  Check out the Kids Que on Friday, June 7 to show your skills and take home some great prizes!

Kids Que Entry Form

Kids Que Rules