Team Information | American Royal

Open Competition Information

The World Series of Barbecue Open Competition is available to any team who wants to show off their barbecue skills! No invite required to join. The Open Competition during the World Series of Barbecue is the largest Contest in the world with 500+ teams competing each year! Teams compete in Chicken, Pork Ribs, Pork (shoulder or Boston Butt) and Beef Brisket.

Open Competition Categories

Chicken
Pork Ribs
Pork (Shoulder or Boston Butt)
Beef Brisket

Grand Champion Eligibility

In order to be eligible for Grand Champion, Open teams must turn in for all four categories. Additionally, teams can compete in each category alone, a Sausage category, sides and/or desserts.

Invitational Competition Information

The qualifying period for the 2025 Invitational Contest is July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2025. If your team has won a Grand Championship from a qualifying contest during the qualifying period, you should receive an invite email from the American Royal asking you to join. Please note: There is only one form to register. Teams that have qualified will be require to register online. If you compete in the Invitational Competition, you are required to compete in the Open Competition. Please read the Team Packet for the complete set of rules regarding the Invitational Competition.