By: Lennard James
MEMPHIS, Tenn., May 17, 2025 – Memphis is widely recognized as the home of Rock ‘n’ Roll and the Blues, but to many, it also represents a central hub for barbecue culture. That sentiment was strongly reflected during this year’s SmokeSlam, billed as The World’s Ultimate BBQ Showdown, which convened passionate pitmasters at Tom Lee Park along the Mississippi River.
The second annual three-day festival, produced by Mempho, showcased a dynamic mix of competition, cuisine, and community. A total of 76 competitive teams from across the country participated, all aiming for high honors under the oversight of the Memphis Barbecue Network (MBN).
After multiple rounds of blind judging and direct presentations, Rescue Smokers from Sycamore, Georgia were named the 2025 Grand Champions. Their win was attributed to both flavor execution and resilience. The team, which placed third in Whole Hog last year due to a minor procedural error, returned with renewed focus and delivered an award-winning performance.
“After being in finals last year and forgetting to do something that we were required to do and getting third place in Hog, to get here again and have this opportunity, wow. There is nothing like SmokeSlam 2025, baby!” said an elated Pitmaster Robby Royal, the driving force behind the Rescue Smokers’ victory.
The team earned $65,000 in total—$50,000 for the Grand Champion prize and $15,000 for their Pulled Pork category win. They also secured a Golden Ticket to the World Food Championships, a respected national competition within the food circuit.
In the event’s primary categories—Whole Hog, Ribs, and Pulled Pork—winners were selected through ten placement levels. First-place finishers in each category received $15,000, reinforcing the competitive incentive of the event.
In addition to monetary awards, the top five in each category were presented with custom-made trophies crafted by The Metal Museum. Winners placing sixth through tenth received commemorative SmokeSlam medals produced locally, contributing to the event’s regional character.
Photo: Unsplash.com
SmokeSlam also offered additional contests beyond standard BBQ, known as the WFC Ancillary Contests, which explored creative expressions across categories such as Duck, Wings, Seafood, Dessert, and others. With $40,000 in total prizes and additional Golden Tickets up for grabs, these competitions broadened the event’s culinary scope.
Winners of the 2025 WFC Ancillary Contests included:
- Duck: Smokin’ On The River
- Dry Rub: Sweet Cheeks BBQ
- Seafood: I Only Smoke When I Drink
- Bacon: Hotty Totty BBQ Dream Team
- Wings: BBQ Team
- Poultry: Sicilian Smokers
- Beef: Smoked N Spiced
- Dessert: Hotty Totty BBQ Dream Team
Also returning this year was Melissa Cookston’s World Junior BBQ League (WJBL), where 42 young grillers demonstrated their skills across four categories. The Junior Grand Champion title went to Totally Bodacious BBQ, who received $12,500 in recognition of their efforts. SmokeSlam and Mempho also contributed a $5,000 donation to the WJBL program to support youth culinary development.
True to its community values, SmokeSlam partnered with Project Green Fork to collect and distribute surplus food from the festival to food-insecure families in Memphis—a gesture that emphasized social impact alongside celebration.
As the aroma of smoked meat faded from Tom Lee Park, the message remained clear: Memphis continues to play a vital role in American barbecue culture. With its blend of culinary tradition, diverse talent, and festival atmosphere, SmokeSlam 2025 offered a compelling example of how barbecue brings communities together.
For full results, media, and updates, visit www.smokeslam.com or follow @smokeslam on social media. SmokeSlam: Where Legends Are Celebrated and Memphis BBQ Tradition Shines.
