SmokeSlam: Meet the winners of Memphis' new barbecue contest

Jacob Wilt, Memphis Commercial Appeal

Updated May 19, 2024 at 11:37 AM·2 min read

SmokeMasters BBQ was named the Grand Champion of the inaugural SmokeSlam barbecue festival.

The Memphis team was announced as Grand Champion and winner in the Ribs division during Saturday's awards ceremony at Tom Lee Park in Downtown Memphis.

It was the perfect birthday present for chief cook of SmokeMasters Will Hair, who turned 50 on Saturday. The SmokeSlam Players band played "Happy Birthday" for Hair as he held up his trophy. "Nobody ever wins these things with a rib," Hair said. "I couldn't be more excited."

The pitmaster couldn't stop thanking his fellow team members for their contributions this competition, but struggled to find the words for what this win meant for him.

Team SmokeMasters BBQ was named Grand Champion during the first SmokeSlam barbecue contest on Saturday, May 18, 2024 at Tom Lee Park in Memphis, Tenn.

"I'm exhausted," he said laughing. "12 on-site presentations is a lot. I couldn't have done it without my team, and I'm thrilled, I'm absolutely thrilled. Not only just being a great contest, but being the first one... I'm at a loss for words, and I'm never at a loss for words."

57 teams competed in the first edition of SmokeSlam, which kicked off Thursday at the riverfront park and wrapped up Saturday. The grand total up for grabs amounted to $250,000, with the Grand Champion receiving $50,000 of that.

At the beginning of Saturday's ceremony, Rylee Wright (aka Steak Princess) was named the World Junior BBQ League Grand Champion. Wright received a $5,000 prize.

Here is a look all the SmokeSlam winners.