THE STAKES ARE HIGHER. THE COMPETITION IS FIERCE.
Welcome to the NEBS Invitational Championship: Classic Competition! The region’s top pitmasters have been called to the line to throw down in the ultimate test of low-and-slow mastery.
Sanctioned by the Northeast Barbecue Society (NEBS), this exclusive invitational brings together the best of the best to battle for top category honors, massive bragging rights, and the coveted titles of Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion!
THE CLASSIC TRIPLE-THREAT CATEGORIES
To take home the championship, teams must master all three traditional barbecue staples:
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Chicken: Whole, parts, thighs, legs, or wings (Standard NEBS Garnish).
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Ribs: Pork Loin Back, Baby Back, Spare, or St. Louis Style ribs (Standard NEBS Garnish).
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Pork Butt: Boston Butt, Picnic, or Whole Shoulder—bone-in or bone-out (Standard NEBS Garnish).
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Garnish Rules Note: STANDARD GARNISH applies! Only green leaf lettuce, flat/curly parsley, or green kale. No non-edible objects, and any sauce chunks must be finely diced (<1/8").
SITE & COOKING SPECS
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Fuel Source: Full freedom! Wood, wood pellets, charcoal, propane, or electricity are all allowed.
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Site Setup: Spacious 20’ x 20’ footprints assigned upon arrival.
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On-Site Amenities: Water, trash, ash disposal, restrooms, AND electricity available on site!
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Inspection & Safety: Pre-trimmed meats are allowed, but no seasoning, marinating, or brining until inspected on site. Shared 3-stage wash stations are permitted, and ABC fire extinguishers are required.
JUDGING & CHAMPIONSHIP PURSE
Entries will be blind-judged by certified judges across three core criteria: Appearance, Taste, and Texture (6 separate portions per 9x9 box).
Cash prizes and awards will be presented to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in each individual category, culminating in the crowning of the Reserve Grand Champion and the NEBS Invitational Grand Champion across combined scores!
(Note: As an elite Invitational event, scores from this championship do not count toward annual TOY points—this one is strictly for the ultimate bragging rights and championship cash!)
PREPARE FOR BATTLE
The pitmasters are locked, loaded, and ready to smoke the competition. Check all detailed rules and guidelines at www.nebs.org.
Who will rise to the occasion and claim the NEBS Invitational Championship title? Let the battles begin!
Complete Details can be found in cooks packet
2026 NIC Cooks Packet
Teams Sign Up with link below
2026 NIC Team Sign Up
Judges Sign Up with this link
2026 NIC Judge Sign Up