SBN Pork in the Park – Newberry, SC | April 18, 2026

Smoke, Flavor, and Southern Tradition Take Over Newberry.

The Southern BBQ Network (SBN) proudly brought the heat to Newberry, South Carolina, on April 18, 2026, for another unforgettable Pork in the Park competition—where championship barbecue, community spirit, and Southern hospitality came together for an incredible day of food, fire, and fellowship.

From the early morning smoker prep to final awards announcements, teams from across the Southeast showcased their skills, passion, and dedication to the craft of barbecue. The aroma of slow-smoked pork filled the air as pitmasters competed for top honors, while families, friends, and BBQ fans gathered to enjoy one of South Carolina’s favorite spring traditions.

Competition Highlights

This year’s event featured fierce competition across multiple categories, with teams delivering exceptional presentations in appearance, tenderness, and taste. Judges carefully evaluated every entry using SBN’s trusted scoring standards, ensuring fairness and consistency throughout the event.

Overall Champions
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Grand Champion: Monkey Bottom Boys BBQ
Reserve Grand Champion: Smoke Till You're Broke

Category Winners

Pork
1st Place: Monkey Bottom Boys BBQ
2nd Place: Boar's Nest
3rd Place: What A Pit BBQ

Ribs
1st Place: Smoke Till You're Broke
2nd Place: Monkey Bottom Boys BBQ
3rd Place: Big Wally's BBQ

Chicken
1st Place: Big Wally's BBQ
2nd Place: Ultimate Tailgaters BBQ
3rd Place: Butt Burner's BBQ


More Than a Competition

Pork in the Park continues to be more than just a cook-off—it is a celebration of community. Local vendors, live entertainment, family-friendly activities, and strong local support made this event a true destination for both competitors and spectators.

SBN remains committed to growing the BBQ community throughout the Carolinas and the Southeast by supporting events like this that bring people together and preserve the traditions of competitive barbecue.

Thank You to Our Teams, Judges, and Sponsors

​A special thank you goes out to every cook team, judge, table captain, volunteer, organizer, sponsor, and community supporter who made this event possible. Your dedication is what keeps SBN strong and growing.

Congratulations to all of our winners and participants—we look forward to seeing everyone at the next stop on the SBN trail.

​Stay Connected

Follow the Southern BBQ Network for upcoming events, judge certifications, team opportunities, and all things competition BBQ across the Southeast.

Because great barbecue isn’t just cooked— it’s earned.
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#SBN #PorkInThePark #NewberrySC #CompetitionBBQ #SouthernBBQNetwork #BBQLife #SmokeAndFire #BBQChampionship #AnythingButPork #SBNFamily

🔥 Bessemer City Brew & ’Que — Competition Recap
Bessemer City was sizzling as teams from across the region gathered for another officially sanctioned Southern BBQ Network (SBN) competition at the Bessemer City Brew & ’Que event. From the first coal lit to the final turn-in, pitmasters delivered their very best across a full day of fierce and flavorful competition.
The streets were filled with the smell of hickory, crowd energy, live music, and the unmistakable camaraderie that comes with Southern barbecue culture. Spectators enjoyed fresh craft beer selections, a variety of food vendors, and a festival-style atmosphere that made it an enjoyable day for all ages.

At the end of the day, SBN awarded the top teams of the Bessemer City Brew & ’Que. The competition was tight, the standards were high, and every team delivered exceptional plates. The official winners have been announced and recognized by SBN.

Grand Champion:  Brother in Law BBQ
Reserve Grand Champion: The Rusty Porker

​Pork:  Big Wally's BBQ
Ribs: Brother in Law BBQ
Chicken: NOBOS BBQ

🐖 Abbeville Hogs & Hens — SBN BBQ Competition Recap
​Abbeville’s historic town square came alive once again during the Hogs & Hens Festival, featuring a sanctioned Southern BBQ Network (SBN) competition that brought exceptional pitmaster talent to the heart of South Carolina. Against a backdrop of live music, artisan vendors, and a packed crowd, teams fired up their smokers and put forward their absolute best.
From sunrise smoke to afternoon judging, the event delivered the full Southern BBQ experience — rich aromas, competitive spirit, and true small-town hospitality.

Grand Champion:  The Rusty Porker
Reserve Grand Champion: Smoke Till You're Broke

Pork:  Smoke Till You're Broke
Ribs: The Rusty Porker
Chicken: The Rusty Porker
Brisket:  The Rusty Porker
Hash:  Smoke Till You're Broke

🔥 BO’s Battle ’Que — SBN Competition Recap
​Another successful smoke-filled showdown is in the books as BO’s Battle ’Que brought BBQ teams, families, and food lovers together for a full day of competition and community under the official sanctioning of the Southern BBQ Network (SBN). The event delivered everything a true BBQ festival should — hot pits, cold drinks, live entertainment, and serious competition energy.
Teams rolled in early and worked the fires through the day, turning in entries that showcased the craft, patience, and passion that define Southern barbecue.

Grand Champion:  Smoke Showin BBQ
Reserve Grand Champion: Sir Hoggs BBQ

Pork:  Smoke Showin BBQ
Ribs: Smoke Showin BBQr
Chicken: Sir Hoggs BBQ

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🏆 2025 SBN Jamil Shriner BBQ Cook-Off Recap
The smoke has cleared, the grills have cooled, and what a day it was! The SBN Jamil Shriner BBQ Cook-Off, held on September 12 & 13th, 2025, at the Jamil Temple in Columbia, SC, was an incredible celebration of community, competition, and, of course, world-class BBQ.
From the first spark to the final turn-in, teams brought their absolute best, showcasing the passion and skill that make Southern BBQ so special. Guests enjoyed a full day of savory smoked meats, live entertainment, family fun, and fellowship—all while supporting the mission of the Jamil Shriners.

🔥 Event Highlights

• Packed House: Hundreds of BBQ fans and community members turned out to cheer on their favorite pitmasters.
• Amazing Food: From pulled pork to ribs, the variety and quality of BBQ were second to none.
• Family Fun: Kids and families enjoyed the welcoming atmosphere, music, and vendors.
• Giving Back: Proceeds from the event directly benefit Shriners’ local community programs and charities.

 🏅 Competition Results
The Southern BBQ Network judges had their work cut out for them, but when the scores were tallied, here’s how the top teams ranked:
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Grand Champion
🥇 Ultimate Tailgaters
                                                                                       
Reserve Grand Champion
🥈 The Rusty Porker
                                                                                                 
Category Winners
    Pork: The Rusty Porker
Ribs: Ultimate Tailgaters

🙌 Thank You
A huge thank-you to all of the pitmasters, judges, volunteers, sponsors, and guests who made this cook-off such a success. Events like these aren’t just about BBQ—they’re about bringing the community together, celebrating tradition, and giving back to a great cause.
We look forward to seeing everyone again next year at the SBN Jamil Shriner BBQ Cook-Off!