Chef Brian Duffy, known for appearances on TV series “Bar Rescue” and competing in Season 4 of Food Network’s  “BBQ Brawl,” will be the emcee at the Rocky Mountain BBQ Classic. Photo courtesy of Rocky Mountain BBQ Classic.

After a long hiatus, professional competitive barbecue is making a return to the Western Slope in a big way. The inaugural Rocky Mountain BBQ Classic will take over the Mesa County Fairgrounds on May 8-9, featuring a high-stakes state championship, Challenge of Champions Bull Riding Tour events, and a star-studded lineup of culinary legends.

Grand Junction has not had a professional competition barbecue event since Pork ‘n’ Hops, which last took place in September 2019, according to Brianna Toole, Rocky Mountain BBQ Classic’s sponsorship and marketing coordinator.

“We are so excited to bring competition barbecue back to Grand Junction,” event spokesperson Renee Perry said. “But this is more than just a cook-off, it’s a celebration of barbecue culture, world-class food and our community.”

Recognized as a state championship qualifier by the Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS), the Master BBQ Competition is the weekend’s main event, with $50,000 in total prize money being awarded, including a $10,000 cash prize for the grand champion. The grand champion from the KCBS pro division will be eligible for the American Royal World Series of Barbecue in Kansas City and the Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational in Lynchburg, Tenn.

The next generation of talent will face off in the Backyard BBQ Competition at Veterans Memorial Park by the fairgrounds, competing for $10,000 in prize money and a $2,500 grand champion title.

Adding to the heat is the Tailgate Challenge, a fast-paced showdown where 24 teams battle through creative BBQ rounds for a separate $10,000 top prize. This crowd-friendly event will be judged by the festival’s roster of celebrity female pitmasters.

The event will be emceed by Brian Duffy (Bar Rescue, BBQ Brawl) and features an elite roster of celebrity pitmasters who will showcase their craft on the demonstration stage, including:

• Kevin Bludso (James Beard Award winner).
• Lee Ann Whippen (BBQ Hall of Fame inductee).
• Stan Hays (CEO of Operation BBQ Relief).
• Thyron Mathews (Netflix’s BBQ Showdown winner).
• And more, including Mary Cressler, Andy Allo and Rasheed Philips.

“Having such high-powered, highly influential celebrity pitmasters take part in our competition here on the Western Slope is beyond our wildest dreams,” Perry said. “Their skills and experience elevate the entire event, and their openness to chatting and sharing their food with VIP ticket holders creates a truly unique experience in the valley.”

Beyond the pits, the weekend is packed with additional food trucks, live concerts and bull-riding events.

Tickets are on sale now, with general admission offering access to concerts and food trucks.

Exclusive VIP tickets offer the best way to experience the weekend as VIP guests receive:

• Exclusive meet-and-greets and food sampling with celebrity pitmasters.
• The “Live Fire” open-air live-fire cooking activation.
• Up-close VIP seating at live-fire and concert events.
• Unlimited upscale BBQ catering, unlimited drinks (time-limited), shaded seating and private VIP bathrooms.
• A Platinum option includes VIP seating at the bull-riding event, catering and drink tickets.

For more information or to purchase VIP tickets, visit rmbbqclassic.com.