Twenty–six professional BBQ teams kicked off the 2021 Georgia Barbecue Association season in Barnesville, GA on April 13, 2021. Although Barnesville has hosted various BBQ competitions for years, this was the first of hopefully many times the GBA has sanctioned their event. In addition to the professional BBQ contest paying out $8,400 in prize money, there was a town festival, vendors, live music, and ancillary contests open to all.
After the smoke had cleared, Smokin the Good Stuff emerged as the Grand Champion and took home the $2,000 check and trophy for their loin entry. Rescue Smokers ended an impressive day by claiming the title of Reserve Grand Champion after reaching the finals in all three meat categories. Along the way, they not only set a record reserve score of 1799.4 (out of a possible 1800), but also earned a $1,500 check, trophy, and the only 600 of the day for their preliminary pulled pork entry.
Smokin the Good Stuff won loin, followed by Rescue Smokers, and Flyin Pig Bar-B-Que.
1st Place Loin 
2nd Place Loin 
3rd Place Loin
First place in pulled pork went to Bayshore Porkers. Rescue Smokers claimed second, and Off the Chain was third.
1st Place Pork 
2nd Place Pork 
3rd Place Pork
Recue Smokers took first place in ribs. Posse BBQ was second, with Hog N Ass coming in third.
1st Place Rib 
2nd Place Rib 
3rd Place Rib
Full contest results can be found by clicking the links below.
Full Loin, Pork, and Rib Results
The GBA has two events scheduled for May 8, 2021. Pro teams will be in Ocilla for the first time as part of the town’s Prater Fest and Soulman Barbecue. Acworth will host its annual Smoke on the Lake contest on the same day to benefit the local Rotary Club. That contest is being held in Association with the GBA and open to any team with an active GBA member. Please check out these and all of our other upcoming events for 2021 at https://www.bbqga.org/