Backyard BBQ & Steak Cook-Off

If you are new to BBQ contests, the American Royal Backyard BBQ & Steak Cook-Off is for you and will once again be held in the West Bottoms.

A Backyard Series contest is an inexpensive and fun way to get started with a barbecue contest. Come on out, join the fun and test your skills! The Backyard BBQ and Steak Cook-Off are two separate contests and teams are allowed to enter either one or both as long as you meet the KCBS definition of a Backyard Cook Team.

The Steak Cook-Off is open to ALL teams (Master or Amateur). Teams do not have to compete in the Backyard Contest to enter the Steak Cook-Off. Steaks will be provided–each team will receive two steaks. Judging will follow the KCBS Guidelines.

2026 Information Packet

2026 KCBS Backyard Rules

ENTRY FEES:

• Backyard BBQ 20’ x 20’ team space: $250 – includes entry into chicken and pork ribs
• Backyard BBQ 20’ x 40’ team space: $400 – includes entry into chicken and pork ribs
• Steak Cook-Off 10’ x 10’ team space: $125 – includes entry into steak

Note: these are two separate contests taking place during the same weekend

PAYOUTS:    

2026 Backyard BBQ – Team Map

2026 Backyard BBQ – Team List

2026 RESULTS                                                        

Grand Champion:  Dawgs BBQ

Reserve Grand Champion:  Wapatui Smokers

1^st Place Chicken:  KC Creations

1^st Place Ribs: Big Reds Backyard BBQ

1^st Place Steak Cook-off: HevyQue BBQ

2026 Backyard BBQ- Overall Results

2026 Backyard BBQ Results- Summary Sheets

2026 Results- Steak