What does it take to be a champion? Crispy skin? Juicy meat? The answer: all of the above and more.
After hundreds of hours spent over hot cookers, top pitmasters from around the state are set to face off for the title of 2017 Whole Hog Barbecue Champion. Reigning champion Chris Fineran will be back to defend his title while newcomers and veterans alike will try to take it for themselves.
The culmination of more than 20 contests across North Carolina, the Whole Hog Barbecue Championship will take place on September 29-30 during World of Bluegrass in downtown Raleigh, on South Street. Stop by the championship to witness greatness for yourself, and stick around for judging at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday morning.
New in 2017, the Whole Hog Barbecue Championship will feature a sauce competition for all entrants. Eastern or western style: which will be the winner? It’s up to sauce judges Robert Moss of Southern Living, Fred Thompson of the News & Observer, and Jason Smith of 18 Seaboard to choose which style will earn the title of “Sauce Champion”. Witness the judges in action on Saturday, September 30 at the Whole Hog Barbecue Championship in downtown Raleigh.
Register for the championship or learn more here.
