CBABBQ comeback podium

After a five-month hiatus from the competitive barbecue circuit, the team known as Smoky Legends made a striking comeback at the Central Barbecue Association (CBABBQ) event held last weekend in Austin, Texas, securing third place overall among a highly competitive field of 65 teams. Their performance was particularly notable in the brisket category, where they also clinched third place, and in chicken, where they ranked fifth, marking a strong return to form after stepping away to focus on personal projects and recipe development. ( cbabbq.org) The CBABBQ event, one of the largest regional barbecue competitions in the United States, draws top talent from across the country, with teams vying for points that contribute to national rankings and invitations to prestigious invitationals like the American Royal World Series of Barbecue. This year’s competition saw over 10,000 attendees and generated significant local economic impact, with organizers estimating a boost of nearly $500,000 to Austin’s hospitality and tourism sectors through ticket sales, vendor partnerships, and visitor spending. ( austinchronicle.com) Smoky Legends’ return wasn’t just a win on the leaderboard; it also resonated widely on social media, where the team shared insider tips for achieving grand-champion-worthy brisket, including their signature dry rub blend and low-and-slow cooking method. Their posts, which garnered over 50,000 views combined, also featured a detailed recipe for what they call the “World’s Best BBQ Pork Ribs,” tailored for backyard enthusiasts looking to replicate competition-level results at home. ( x.com, x.com) The team’s hiatus had initially raised questions among fans and competitors alike, as Smoky Legends had been a consistent top-10 contender in national barbecue rankings for three consecutive years before their break. Team captain Jake Rollins cited the need for a reset after intense back-to-back seasons, during which they competed in over 20 events annually, as the reason for stepping back, emphasizing that the time off allowed them to refine techniques and reconnect with their passion for the craft. ( bbqinsider.com) CBABBQ organizers praised Smoky Legends’ performance as a highlight of the event, noting that their return added to the competitive depth of an already stacked lineup. The association also announced that points from this event will count toward qualifications for the 2024 National Barbecue Championships, where the top 20 teams in cumulative rankings will earn a spot, setting high stakes for Smoky Legends’ upcoming competitions. ( cbabbq.org) Looking ahead, Smoky Legends confirmed they plan to compete in at least three more regional events before the end of the year, with their sights set on reclaiming a top-five national ranking by next spring. Fans can expect more social media content as well, with Rollins teasing additional recipes and behind-the-scenes looks at their preparation process for the next big cook-off in Memphis in November. ( x.com)