Six of the best BBQ pit masters and teams in the world will compete in a head to head "Main Event" style. BBQ FITE Klub will be a real, sanctioned KCBS (Kansas City Barbecue Society) contest, with real world championship teams, real certified BBQ judges and scoring.
The competing teams include "Iowa Smokey D's" led by Darren Warth, a Multi-Time World Champion, often considered the G.O.A.T of competition Pitmasters. The other amazing teams in this lineup are Multi-Time World Champions, KCBS Teams of the Year and winners of countless Grand and Reserve Grand Championships: Bill Gillespie's "Smokin' Hoggz BBQ"; Luke Darnell of "Old Virginia Smoke"; Kelly Wertz's "4 Legs Up" BBQ; Bethany McAllister's "913 BBQ"; and Tim Scheer of "Shake n Bake BBQ".
Some teams will have individual causes they will be supporting and overall, BBQ FITE Klub will help support Operation BBQ Relief.
We already know all 6 certified BBQ judges, some of whom are legends as well, like BBQ Hall of Famer Ray Lampe aka "Dr. BBQ". Right next to him will be Emily Detwiler - Chief Executive Officer of the Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS) and World Champion Pit Master and Certified BBQ judge since 2000 - Scottie Johnson. Erik Hoover is the forth name - he and his wife Stacey opened their flagship restaurant Cockeye BBQ in 2015 as a testament to the alchemy that blends BBQ, regional styles and heritage ingredients. We have and a classically trained chef - Chef Michael Ollier who took a deep dive into the world of BBQ in his role with the Certified Angus Beef ® brand. And one more lady - Lee Ann Whippen. She is the past pitmaster at Chicago Q and later she founded Southern Cut Barbeque in Chicago.
We have two great commentators to moderate the festivities - BBQ Competitor, artist and TV personality, STRETCH Rumaner and the food broadcaster and WGN Radio host, Dane Neal.