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
Year
Location
Winner
Hometown
2022
Kinston
Chris Fineran
Little River, SC
2021
Raleigh
Wesley Bowers
Washington
2020
Not held due to pandemic
2019
Raleigh
Kevin Peterson
Benson
2018
Raleigh
Chris Fineran
Little River, SC
2017
Raleigh
Kevin Peterson
Benson
2016
Raleigh
Chris Fineran
Little River, SC
2015
Raleigh
Joe Peterson
Roanoke Rapids
2014
Raleigh
Ernest Twisdale
Roanoke Rapids
2013
Raleigh
Arthur Williams
Washington
2012
Washington
Mike Hall
Newport
2011
Newport
Fred Woodard
Smithfield
2010
Mount Airy
Carla Sweet
Newport
2009
Smithfield
Joe Peterson
Roanoke Rapids
2008
Raleigh
Joe Peterson
Roanoke Rapids
2007
Kinston
Chris Garner
Newport
2006
Smithfield
Roy Parker
Zebulon
2005
Garner
Vick Wilkens
Red Springs
2004
Newport
Vick Wilkens
Red Springs
2003
Mount Airy
Joe Peterson
Roanoke Rapids
2002
Washington
Chuck Lindner
Atlantic Beach
2001
Raleigh
Charlie Meeks
Newport
2000
Raleigh
Jim Ferrell
Newport
1999
Greenville
Cathy Gregg
Newport
1998
Mount Airy
Bobby Prescott
Newport
1997
Rocky Mount
John Wilhelmsen
Newport
1996
Benson
Greg Bowen
Newport
1995
Lexington
Bobby Prescott
Newport
1994
Newport
Ernest Reason
Havelock
1993
Benson
John Wilhelmsen
Newport
1992
Greenville
Scott Grady
Newport
1991
Raleigh
Troy Warlick
Shelby
1990
Raleigh
Chip Davis
Shelby
1989
Raleigh
Bobby Prescott
Newport
1988
Raleigh
Chip Kahl
Havelock
1987
Raleigh
Ernest Reason
Havelock
1986
Garner
Roger & Dave Lambert
Franklinville
1985
Raleigh
Willis Peaden & Jim Elder
Havelock