World Championship Invitational Barbecue Will Return to Lynchburg

Back in October, the best of the best in the world of competitive barbecue did not convene in BBQ Hollow in Lynchburg for the first time in more than three decades. It’s an annual tradition for teams from across the country, along with a passel of invited international teams, to gather for the Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational Barbecue and compete for the crown. The event was sorely missed last year, and it was the first time in a decade that I hadn’t been privileged to judge the seven categories of Pork Ribs, Pork Shoulder/Butts, Beef Brisket, Chicken, Dessert, Cook’s Choice and Jack Daniel’s Sauce. I can’t say that everyone was disappointed with the year off, though. My doctor was fine with it.

But Doc better get that statins script ready, because The Jack is back, baby! On Oct. 8 and 9, the masters of smoke will again gather and start their fires to cook overnight Friday and present their best boxes to the assembled judges. 

To qualify, domestic teams have to win a state championship with a minimum of 25 competing teams, or a competition with more than 50 participating teams. The final competitors are then selected during a blind drawing of all eligible teams in August. Additionally, automatic invitations are given to the 2019 Jack Daniel’s Grand Champion and this season’s grand champions from Memphis in May, The American Royal World Series of Barbecue Open, and Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest.

It’s not just about the cooking, though. Other activities include original games such as the Country Dog Contest and Bung and Bag Toss competitions. Games begin Saturday at 11 a.m. and continue throughout the day. Tours of the Jack Daniel Distillery from the Visitor Center will also be available from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Barbecue judging starts at 11:30 a.m., and the awards presentation will take place at 5 p.m. There will be plenty of food available for purchase, and if you hang around the judges’ barn, somebody might even sneak you a few bites of competition-quality barbecue through the slats of the fence. Holla atcha boy! 

Admission to the 32nd Annual Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational Barbecue is a voluntary donation to the Moore County School system. For more information, visit jackdaniels.com.