Join the ultimate BBQ showdown at Chamber’s Smokin’ BBQ Cook-off, a premier event for grilling and smoking enthusiasts! Hosted by the Northeast Barbecue Society (NEBS), this contest is your opportunity to showcase your BBQ prowess and compete for top honors, including cash prizes, trophies, and the prestigious "NEBS Team of the Year" award.
Contest Categories:
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Chicken: Includes Wild or Farm-raised Chicken, Cornish Game Hen, and Kosher Chicken (whole or parts). NEBS Standard Garnish required.
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Ribs: Pork Ribs only, including Loin Back, Baby Back, Spare Ribs, or St. Louis Ribs. NEBS Standard Garnish required.
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Pork: Boston Butt, Picnic, and/or the whole shoulder (bone-in or boneless). NEBS Standard Garnish required.
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Brisket: Only beef brisket (no corned beef). NEBS Standard Garnish required.
People’s Choice Award: This is where the public gets to pick their favorite dish! Teams serve approximately 125 samples to attendees who vote for their favorite. A cash prize of $500 will be awarded to the winner, announced on Sunday alongside other awards.
Cooking Rules & Meat Inspection:
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Meats must be raw upon arrival, with no seasoning or flavoring until after inspection.
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Only permitted cooking media include wood, wood pellets, and charcoal.
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Teams must bring their own cookers, grills, smokers, and tools.
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Adhere to food safety standards including having a 3-stage washing station and ABC fire extinguisher on-site.
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Proper storage and handling of meat are mandatory to ensure safety.
Site Information: Each team is allotted a 20’ x 20’ cooking space. Electricity, water, trash disposal, and restroom facilities will be provided. Teams must leave their site in pristine condition or risk exclusion from future events.
Judging Criteria: Each entry is judged by six independent judges based on:
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Appearance: The visual appeal of the dish.
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Taste: The flavor profile and experience.
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Texture: The tenderness and proper preparation of the meat.
Awards & Prizes:
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1st Place: $500, 2nd Place: $250, 3rd Place: $150 (in each category).
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Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion will receive additional trophies and cash prizes for the combined performance across all categories.
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People’s Choice winner takes home $500!
NEBS Team of the Year: Points earned from this contest will count towards NEBS Team of the Year, where the chief cook must be a current member of NEBS. Join the competition and be part of the BBQ elite!
Get Ready to Smoke & Grill! Whether you’re a seasoned BBQ master or a newcomer looking to test your skills, the Chamber’s Smokin’ BBQ Cook-off offers a thrilling, competitive atmosphere and the chance to earn bragging rights as one of the best BBQ teams in the region.
For full details, contest rules, and to register, visit www.nebs.org. Don’t miss out—sign up today and get ready to compete!
2025 Chambers Smokin BBQ Cook off Cooks Packet
2025 Chambers Smokin BBQ Cook Off NEBS Judges Application