The total 2026 prize purse is $20,000+.
KCBS Overall
Grand Champion – $3,000 +
- An invitation to compete in the 2027 $1 million Pitmaster Challenge BBQ World Cup
- An invitation to compete in the 2027 American Royal World Series of BBQ
- An invitation to compete at the 2027 KCBS World Invitational
- A Nevada bung for the 2027 Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational Barbecue.
- A guaranteed entry into any division of the 2027 Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest + $250 entry team discount
Reserve Grand Champion – $2,000 + an invitation to compete in the 2027 $1 million Pitmaster Challenge BBQ World Cup
3rd Place – $1,200
4th Place – $750
5th Place – $400
6th Place – $200
7th Place – $150
8th Place – $125
9th Place – $100
10th Place – $75
Each KCBS Category
(Chicken, Ribs, Pork, Brisket)
1st Place – $500
2nd Place – $400
3rd Place – $300
4th Place – $225
5th Place – $175
6th Place – $150
7th Place – $125
8th Place – $100
9th Place – $75
10th Place – $50
LFCA Overall
1st Place – $1,000 + an invitation to compete in the 2027 Open Fire World Championships
2nd Place – $750
3rd Place – $500
Dessert
1st Place – $500
2nd Place – $400
3rd Place – $300
4th Place – $200
5th Place – $100
6th Place – $75
7th Place – $75
8th Place – $50
9th Place – $50
10th Place – $50
The Memphis in May Jackpot Bonus
Memphis in May will recognize the Grand Champion and extend a guaranteed entry into any division of the 2027 World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest.
All fees and expenses associated to compete at the 2027 WCBCC are the responsibility of the Grand Champion and/or Contest. The Contest has the right to secure a sponsor to help offset fees for Grand Champion.
MIM will provide the Contest Grand Champion with a $250 team entry discount on any division of the 2027 WCBCC.
MIM will provide all other teams competing at the Contest with a $100 team entry discount on any division of the 2027 WCBCC. Teams may only utilize one discount offer per year.
Teams may only utilize one discount offer per year.
The Premier BBQ & Fire Lucky 7 Bonus
Teams who place 7th in any KCBS meat category or overall will win a gift basket from Premier BBQ & Fire filled with BBQ supplies.
The Hey Grill Hey 21st Place Bonus
Teams who place 21st in any KCBS meat category or overall will win a gift basket from Hey Grill Hey.
