2025 Results: The Jack
7:39 p.m. Oct. 11, 2025 • Updated: 10:03 a.m. Oct. 13, 2025
The “Super Bowl of barbecue” crowned its champions this past weekend as pitmasters from across the globe competed in the 2025 Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational BBQ, held Oct. 10-11 in Lynchburg.
Known simply as The Jack, the event is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious barbecue competitions in the world, drawing top teams from the U.S., Canada, Australia, Brazil, and beyond.
Kings BBQ Team from Jacksonville, Fla., claimed the title of Grand Champion at the 2025 Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational Barbecue, taking home $25,000 and securing the chance to defend its trophy at next year’s competition.
“From start to finish, this competition is about celebrating the barbecue community,” Kings BBQ Team pitmaster Ryan King said. “They host it for us, and winning it means I’ve accomplished a long-term goal. It means the world to stand among the best and come out on top.”
King, who has spent more than a decade perfecting his craft, said his love for barbecue is deeply rooted in his Southern upbringing. Competing across the Southeast, he built a brand known for bold flavors and exceptional quality – a reputation now cemented by one of the most prestigious titles in the sport.
This year’s event drew 91 teams from around the world, including competitors from Australia, Brazil, and Switzerland. Teams faced off in categories such as Pork Ribs, Pork Shoulder/Butts, Beef Brisket, Chicken, Dessert, Jack Daniel’s Sauce, and Cook’s Choice/“Home Cookin’ from the Homeland.”
To earn a coveted spot at The Jack, domestic teams must win a state championship with at least 25 competitors, or triumph in a contest featuring more than 50 teams across the core barbecue categories.
“I’m always amazed by the craft, creativity, and commitment that BBQ teams from all over the world bring to our small town of Lynchburg,” Jack Daniel’s Master Distiller Chris Fletcher said. “This year was no exception, and we congratulate Kings BBQ for coming out on top among fierce competition. Just like the way we make whiskey, taking it slow can make all the difference.”
Boggs Hog BBQ earned the Reserve Grand Champion title and a $10,000 prize.
Jack Daniel Distillery
Kings BBQ Team from Jacksonville, Fla., claimed the prestigious Grand Champion title at The Jack 2025.
Top 10 Overall
1. Kings BBQ – Jacksonville, Fla.
2. Boggs Hog BBQ – Audubon, N.J.
3. Scuffletown Smokers – Boonville, Ind.
4. Cajun Blaze – Gonzales, La.
5. 4 Smokin’ J’s – Diamondhead, Miss.
6. SmellaQue – Canada
7. Bad Bears BBQ – American Canyon, Calif.
8. Grillas in the Mist – Australia
9. Rooters-N-Tooters – Mt. Pleasant, Tenn.
10. Fire at the End of the Day – Danielson, Conn.
Grand Champion
Kings BBQ – Jacksonville, Fla.
Reserve Grand Champion
Boggs Hog BBQ – Audubon, N.J.
Beef Brisket
1. Boggs Hog BBQ – Audubon, N.J.*
2. Dog Bite Barbecue – Morgantown, WVa.*
3. Bunch of Swines – United Kingdom*
Pork Shoulders/Butts
1. Blue Chip BBQ – Louisville, Ky.*
2. Mulkey’s BBQ – Imperial, Mo.*
3. Cajun Blaze – Gonzales, La.*
Pork Ribs
1. Kings BBQ – Jacksonville, Fla.*
2. Grillas in the Mist – Australia*
3. Hold Your Horses BBQ – Griffin, Ga.*
Chicken
1. Bad Bears BBQ – American Canyon, Calif.*
2. Kings BBQ – Jacksonville, Fla.
3. Scuffletown Smokers – Boonville, Ind.
Home Cookin’ from the Homeland
1. B.R.A. Barbecue Team – Brazil
2. Grillas in the Mist – Australia
3. Cook Cartel – New Zealand
Cook’s Choice
1. Bad Rooster BBQ – Lavonia, Ga.*
2. Smoked & Furious – Edmond, Okla.*
3. Kuykendall’s Barbeque Co. – Summerset, Texas
Sauce
1. Heath Riles BBQ – Olive Branch, Miss.
2. Smoke Show BBQ – Humble, Texas
3. Cook Cartel – New Zealand
Dessert
1. Cook Cartel – New Zealand*
2. Hollow-Q – Mustang, Okla.
3. Mulkey’s BBQ – Imperial, Mo.
Awards
I Know Jack ... About Grillin’
• LC BBQ – Bandera, Texas
Shaken and Stirred Cocktail
• Average Joe BBQ Team – Italy
Spookiest Home in the Hollow
• WeQ4u – Bowling Green, Ky.
• SmellaQue – Canada
* – Perfect 180 score
