The American Royal is pleased to announce that 2015 will be a record-breaking year for number of teams participating in the World Series of Barbecue. The final count is 618 teams (representing 39 states and 3 countries), up 56 total teams from 2014. The large number of competitors makes the event by far the world’s largest barbecue competition.
The American Royal Barbecue began 36 years ago in the parking lot of the Golden Ox Restaurant, and the competition has grown to become the world’s largest event of its kind. Competition is held in four categories: Brisket, Pork Ribs, Pork (Shoulder or Boston Butt), Chicken – or contestants can enter all four to compete for the title of Grand Champion. The American Royal draws nearly 50,000 patrons and competitors from all over the world and is considered the season’s grand finale for teams in the competitive barbecue circuit.