The 2026 World Championship Bar-B-Que Contest (WCBBQ) lit up NRG Park in Houston from Feb. 26–28, kicking off the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo festivities with one of the biggest BBQ cook-offs in the country. More than 250 pitmaster teams from across America – and even international competitors – battled over three days for top honors in brisket, ribs, chicken, Go Texan, Dutch oven dessert, open contest and the high-energy WCBBQ Games.

At Saturday night’s awards ceremony, All Jacked Up earned Grand Champion Overall, taking home the coveted title for the best combined scores across all meats. Hardin County Go Texan was named Reserve Champion, and Brett’s BBQ Shop grabbed third overall, adding another strong showing to their resume.

Category winners included Victoria County Go Texan in brisket, Wag’s Backwoods BBQ for ribs and Kings BBQ, the 2025 Jack Daniels World Invitational Champions, dominating chicken. In Dutch oven dessert, Cattle Cookers took top honors, while Calhoun County Go Texan won the open contest. The WCBBQ Games went to the spirited Half Fast Cookers team.

The Junior Cook-Off spotlighted rising talent, with Payton Lewis of The Texas Social Club was crowned champion with Rae Barker finishing as the Runner-Up. Specialty awards celebrated creativity and showmanship, with Holy Cow Cookers earning Best Façade and Limestone County Cookers winning Best Overall Theme.

We covered the event hard on our Facebook page, Barbecue News Magazine, so make sure and check out why we say this event is way more than just BBQ. The 2026 event delivered the intense competition and community spirit that Texas barbecue lovers live for, setting the stage for another legendary Rodeo Houston season.

Already looking forward to next year!