Category: Contest Reports

Mar 31 2026

2026-IAW-Hawkinsville BBQ Cook-Off & Karaoke Contest-5 Teams competed

GBA BRINGS THE HEAT TO HAWKINSVILLE! 

What a weekend at the Hawkinsville BBQ Cook-Off & Karaoke Contest! The Georgia BBQ Association rolled into the Harness Training Center ready to cook, laugh, and make memories—and that’s exactly what happened.

We may have only been five teams strong under the arena, but don’t let the numbers fool you… the flavor, camaraderie, and FUN were off the charts! 

A huge shoutout to our host Aaron Colley for the hospitality and for inviting the GBA to enjoy the Arena! We are hoping to come back even stronger next year! If we do, you want to plan to be there!

👏 And special appreciation to Brian Bond and Jim Dehne for keeping everything running smooth and steady all weekend long.

Chicken Wings Results: 1st Place- Free Smokes BBQ; 2nd Place- Smoke Ring BBQ; 3rd Place- J.Piggy’s BBQ

Pork Results: 1st Place Flaming Hogs BBQ; 2nd Place Free Smoke BBQ; 3rd Place J. Piggy’s BBQ

Brisket Results: 1st Place- Free Smoke BBQ; 2nd Place- Smokin’ AJ’s; 3rd Place- J. Piggy’s BBQ

Oct 15 2025

2025 Red White and Blue BBQ – Off the Chain BBQ takes Grand Champion

What a weekend!  The weather was absolutely GLORIOUS and the Georgia Barbecue Association (GBA) was proud to be in Canton on October 11th for a weekend filled with fun, recognition, and purpose — all in support of our Veterans and the Veterans Suicide Prevention Program sponsored by our incredible hosts at American Legion Post 45.

We were especially honored to have a few local Veterans from Jim’s Program serving as Judges and Assistant Organizers — an inspiring reminder of what this event is all about.

Jim Lindenmayer led a phenomenal team that made for a fantastic weekend!   A huge shout-out to Susan and Helen for their amazing work at the front tables — and to Brian Bond, Warren Abrams, Jim Dehne, Ewa & Jerry Belcastro for keeping everything running smoothly all day long.

The GBA continues to grow and develop, and that’s thanks to dedicated folks like these! A special thank-you to Jerry Belcastro for firing up multiple delicious pizzas Friday night for a horde of hungry BBQ lovers — with his talented Pizza Shig’n Sous Chef, Carrie East working hard by his side!  

What an incredible showing — congratulations to all our teams and judges! The camaraderie, the competition, and the cause made this weekend truly special.

Jim has already texted to say he’s looking forward to next year — and so are we!

Reserve Champion: The Look and the Cook

Loin Finals: 1st Place Off The Chain BBQ; 2nd Place Grills Gone Wild; 3rd Place Flying B BBQ

Pulled Pork Finals: 1st Place Off The Chain BBQ; 2nd Place Big Daddy’s BBQ Pit; 3rd Place Scott’s Smoke Shack

Rib Finals: 1st Place Big Butts BBQ; 2nd Place Dad’s BBQ; 3rd Place Magnum P.I.G

THANK YOU to our 2025 Georgia BBQ Association TEAM of the YEAR Sponsors- A BETTER BUILT FENCE CO .& DEXTER MEAT CO

Oct 02 2025

2025 Bryon BBQ Fest – IAW

The Byron BBQ Fest is officially in the books, and what a wonderful weekend it was!

It was such a joy to see everyone who came out to participate — and especially to reconnect with teams who make this contest their one stop each year. That makes Byron extra special!

A heartfelt thank you to Selina Hall and the Byron Welcome Center for the fabulous hospitality at North Peach Park. We couldn’t have asked for a better setting.

Behind the scenes, Brian Bond and Ewa Belcastro kept the scoring running smoothly, while Edward Vesely stepped up as Assistant Rep, supporting Jerry Belcastro and Jim Dehne as they gained more experience as Rep Trainees. The teamwork made for a smooth and enjoyable weekend all around. Most of all, a big thank you to every single team who fired up their pits, braved the weekend, and made this contest such a fun and spirited event. Your dedication and passion for BBQ are what make gatherings like this so memorable. 

Chicken Results: 1st Place-Dad’s BBQ; 2nd Place-Free Smokers BBQ; 3rd Place-K&E Little Smokers

Pork Results: 1st Place-K&E Little Smokers; 2nd Place-Gittin’ Piggie Widit; 3rd Place-Smokin’ Deez Butts

Ribs Results: 1st Place-Rat Daddy BBQ; 2nd Place-Flyin’ B BBQ; 3rd Place-Heavy Metal Hogz

Stew Results: 1st Place-K&E Little Smokers

THANK YOU to our 2025 Georgia BBQ Association TEAM of the YEAR Sponsors- A BETTER BUILT FENCE CO .& DEXTER MEAT CO

May 05 2025

2025 Hogs for Housing 2025-Pig-eee-licious takes Grand Championship

Hogs for Housing is in the books! Congratulations to all who walked! Special congratulations to Pig-EEE-licous on the Grand and Leron’s BBQ on their triple final and double 600s, and Reserve!

Reserve Champion: Leron’s BBQ

Loin Results: 1st Place- The Look and The Cook, 2nd Place- Rescue Smokers, 3rd Place- Leron’s BBQ

Pork Results: 1st Place- Pig-eee-licious, 2nd Place- Leron’s BBQ, 3rd Place- Dad’s BBQ

Rib Results: 1st Place- Big Butts BBQ, 2nd Place-Flying Pig Bar-B-Que, 3rd Place- Leron’s BBA

THANK YOU to our 2025 Georgia BBQ Association TEAM of the YEAR Sponsors- A BETTER BUILT FENCE CO .& DEXTER MEAT CO.

Apr 15 2025

Smokin’ on Blackshear BBQ & Balloon Festival 2025-Rescue Smokers takes Grand Championship

Wow—What a Day at Smokin’ on Blackshear!

The GBA was proud to be part of the Smokin’ on Blackshear BBQ & Balloon Festival at the stunning Georgia Veterans State Park. This year, we had the unique opportunity to run two contests in one, and what a turnout it was!

24 Pro Teams and 10 IAW (In Association With) Teams brought the heat, heart, and flavor. With 9 turn-in windows and 33 hardworking judges, and an outstanding GBA Rep Team that included the Warren’s Warren Phelps And Warren Abrams, and Brian Bond along with assistance Jerry and Ewa Belcastro, we pulled off an incredible day of BBQ magic.

Huge thanks to Linda Hawkins and her amazing organizing team—your hospitality and effort made everything run like clockwork. We’re so grateful for your dedication!

This wasn’t just about the competition—it was about community and camaraderie. Everyone had a blast, and the spirit of BBQ family was strong.

🔥 Pro Division Finals

🏆 Grand Champion: Rescue Smokers

🏅 Reserve Champion: Leron’s BBQ

Loin Results: 1st Place-Rescue Smokers, 2nd Place-Hot Ash Q, 3rd Place Hog Harris

Pork Results: 1st Place-Leron’s BBQ Competition and Catering, 2nd Place-Big Daddy’s BBQ Pit, 3rd Place-Big Butts BBQ

Ribs Results: 1st Place-The Look and the Cook, 2nd Place-Bite My Butt BBQ, 3rd Place-Rescue Smokers

IAW Division Results

🏆 Best of Blackshear (IAW Overall Winner): Meat Show

Loin Results: 1st Place Deez Butts, 2nd Place Smokin Aces, 3rd Place Dad Bod Grillin’ Squad


Pork Results: 1st Place-Meat Show, 2nd Midnight Smokin Crew, 3rd Place-Smokin’ Aces

Ribs Results: 1st Meat Show, 2nd Place Midnight Smokin’ Crew, 3rd Deez Butts

THANK YOU TO our 2025 Georgia BBQ Association TEAM of the YEAR Sponsors – A BETTER BUILT FENCE CO. & DEXTER MEAT CO.


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