Judging will allow you to see what other people turn in, what judges expect and get you really familiar with all the rules. Plus, you get to eat some really great BBQ. A Few Words To The Wise about Competing in Competition BBQI dont care how amazing your grandpas BBQ sauce is or how mouth watering everyone told you your ribs are the guys in the professional division have spent years perfecting everything all the way down to how to place the meat in the turn in box. They know what the judges like and they cook 2. That is why I always suggest entering the patio division and then making friends with guys in the professional division and ask them questions so you can get a feel for what the contest is all about. Thawing Pork Article There are several methods that can be used for thawing fresh frozen pork. Believe me, its cheaper to make your mistakes and work out your kinks in the amateur division than it is in the professional division. Bottom Round Roast Recipe on this page. A Few Things To Remember about Competition BBQ When it comes to competition BBQ, preparation is the key. It will make the entire experience more enjoyable if you are prepared for whatever comes your way. You need to set down and make a timeline and then try your best to stick to it. It can be a huge challenge, trust me I get side tracked sometime. And if your cooking a KCBS contest your first go round here is a timeline that will help you get an idea If you have the time, do all of your meat trimming at home. This is allow in most sanctioned contests including KCBS but make sure your Competition BBQ contest allowed you to trim at home before. Not having to trim your meat on contest day saves valuable time plus you can concentrate on cooking instead of being in a rush to get things ready for the smoker. Have a supply list. When I started out I made a list of everything I needed at home to cook. Bring those supplies with you and nothing else. Its easy to over pack for a contest and this creates that much more work. I share my supply list here it will give you a good idea about where to start As far as flavors and cooking goes you probably have an idea as to what it takes. Dont deviate from what you normally do. Judges arent looking for anything crazy just BBQ that taste good and is perfectly cooked. I see people all the time making last minute changes. It kills them most if the time. Keeping things simple works. Thats why theres a lot if one man teams that do so well. Never take it so seriously that you forget why your out there in the first place The main goal of your first Competition BBQ contest should be to keep track of time and get every category turned in on time. At that point its in the judges hands. Theres nothing else you can do to change the outcome.