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North Carolina’s Best Pitmasters Compete in Rocky Mount’s BBQ Showdown

Barbecue season is heating up in Eastern North Carolina, and this year, the smoke carries a bigger story than ever before. The Eastern Carolina BBQ Throwdown, set for October 24–25 at the Rocky Mount Historic Train Station, has officially been named one of the North Carolina State Championships by the Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS).


That prestigious title means pitmasters will be battling for more than just bragging rights. At stake: a share of $18,900 in prize money and a coveted KCBS “puck” — the ticket to compete at the legendary Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational Barbecue in Lynchburg, Tennessee.


Why KCBS Sanctioning Matters

The KCBS is the world’s largest competitive barbecue organization, renowned for its rigorous rules and blind-judging process. Sanctioning ensures that every pulled pork, rack of ribs, or brisket burnt end is judged on a fair, standardized scale — making Rocky Mount’s Throwdown a must-stop event on the national BBQ circuit.


“This isn’t just another cookout,” said one competitor. “It’s barbecue at the highest level — right here in Rocky Mount.”


You Be the Judge: People’s Choice Competition

While certified judges determine the state champion, the public has its own role. The People’s Choice Competition hands the power (and a plate of samples) to festival-goers, who can taste bites from competing teams and vote for the BBQ they believe deserves the crown.


It’s an experience that transforms every attendee into a judge — giving pitmasters direct bragging rights with the people.


The Competitors

This year’s lineup promises serious smoke, including:

  • Rooters-N-Tooters

  • Alpine Smoke Works

  • Twister Pair BBQ

  • Rollin Smoke

  • Hickory Barbeque Company

  • Chock Full Of Barbecue

  • McAdoo Heights BBQ

  • Clean Smoke BBQ

  • Dog Bite Barbecue


Each team arrives with their own rubs, sauces, and secret techniques — but only one will claim the chance of North Carolina State Champion.


A Festival for All Ages

Beyond the pits, the Throwdown is packed with fun for the entire family:

  • Beer Garden for frosty drinks

  • Family Fun Zone with inflatables, carnival games, balloon twisting, glitter tattoos, and face-painting

  • Live Entertainment, including an interactive kids’ music show

  • Classic Car Show (pending confirmation)

  • 360° Photo Booth to capture the smoky smiles


Rocky Mount’s Big Stage

For Rocky Mount, hosting a state championship isn’t just about competition — it’s about flavor, family, and community pride. The historic train station venue offers the perfect backdrop, blending small-town charm with big-time stakes.

So grab your appetite, rally your crew, and get ready to taste, cheer, and vote. At the Eastern Carolina BBQ Throwdown, you’re not just a spectator — you’re part of the story.


📅 October 24–25, 2025📍 Rocky Mount Historic Train Station, Rocky Mount, NC🔗 More info


Cook Teams Wanted!

We’re just six weeks out from this year’s Throwdown, and cook teams are still needed. Alongside the main prize purse, additional prizes will be awarded by the North Carolina Soybean Producers Association (Team Bean Triple Crown Competition) and the Mid Atlantic Barbecue Association (State Cup Competition).



Don’t miss the chance to compete at one of North Carolina’s premier BBQ events!

 
 
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