It takes a skilled and seasoned barbecue cook to earn the grand prize at the annual Whole Hog Barbecue Championship. Each has a reason to be proud. And some have more than one reason. Seven people have won more than once, two have won it three times, and one has won it four. Here are the cooks who have been crowned the Whole Hog Barbecue Champion since the first championship in 1985.

State Champions