CALL FOR JUDGES

Your seat at the table awaits.

Become a BBQ Judge at the National BBQ Festival

Ready to take your love of BBQ to the next level? Join us at Eisenhower Park on Thursday, June 12, 2025, and earn your official judging credentials for some of the most mouthwatering competitions in the country. Whether you're into steak, wings, ribs, or brisket, there’s a place for you at the judging table.

Already a Sanctioned Judge? Then just apply!

To judge the SCA Ancillary competition on Friday, June 13th, you must be sanctioned by the Steak Cookoff Association (SCA). If you're already an SCA-sanctioned judge, simply apply to judge at our festival by clicking the "Judges" button on the contact page.

SCA-sanctioned judges are also eligible to judge the National BBQ Festival on Saturday, June 14th.

If you’re only interested in judging the National BBQ Festival AND are are sanctioned by a recognized barbecue sanctioning body, such as KCBS, MBN, World Food Championship, NEBS, Rib Cook-Off Association, CBA, FBA, GBA, IBCA, etc., you’re welcome to apply. Just click the "Judges" button on the contact page to get started.

For those who are not yet sanctioned, an SCA Ancillary Judges Class will be offered on Thursday, June 12th. This is a great opportunity to get certified and join the fun!

SCA Ancillary Judges Class
Thursday, June 12 | 6-8PM

By completing this 2-hour class, you’ll be automatically registered to judge the SCA Ancillary competition at the National BBQ Festival on Friday, June 13, as well as any other SCA competition in the country, AND the National Barbecue Festival on Saturday, June 14th.

Registrants must first become a member of the SCA for $40. The class costs $60 and includes: