BBQ Jackpot is a KCBS-sanctioned BBQ competition held in Las Vegas, Nevada, organized by champion pitmaster Christie Vanover of Girls Can Grill. It is the largest BBQ competition on the west coast.
KCBS History in Vegas
Las Vegas has a rich history with competitive BBQ. Back in 2013, the city hosted several major KCBS events — the World Food Championships, the Sam’s Club National BBQ Tour and the Downtown Throw Down.
Over time, each of those events ended or moved on. The WFC lasted two years before the competition moved East. The Sam’s Club series ended in 2017.
The Downtown Throw Down was held under the neon lights on Fremont Street. Thanks to Steve Overlay, the Nevada BBQ Association and many others, it was one of the most popular BBQ competitions on the West Coast. The event was always held in early December to coincide with the National Finals Rodeo, which is held in Las Vegas every year.
When registration opened for the 2018 Downtown Throw Down, it sold out in a matter of minutes. That’s how popular it was.
Over the years, finding an organizer and location has been challenging, especially since Fremont Street underwent several renovations and changes.
2024 – The Inaugural Event
The first BBQ Jackpot was held at the Bass Pro Shops parking lot adjacent to Silverton Casino — just off I-15, minutes from the Las Vegas Strip and airport. It was the perfect home for a competition of this scale.
74 teams from 14 states competed in chicken, ribs, pork and brisket. Around 120 judges from 25 states, Canada and Switzerland evaluated the entries. The $16,000 prize purse drew some of the circuit’s top talent, with the grand champion also taking home invitations to the American Royal World Series of BBQ, Memphis in May and the Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational Barbecue.
The inaugural event was organized by Christie Vanover of Girls Can Grill in partnership with Jim Palmer, the lead event organizer for the California BBQ Association. Gettin’ Basted was named Grand Champion and Shake n Bake BBQ took Reserve Grand.
2025 – Growing the Event
The 2nd annual BBQ Jackpot took place Nov. 22, 2025, at Silverton Casino in Las Vegas. The event grew in every direction.
92 teams competed across six categories — chicken, ribs, pork, brisket, turkey and dessert. The addition of turkey and dessert expanded the competition and gave teams more ways to showcase their range.
New in 2025, the BBQ Pit Stop brought the competition to the public with a live fire cooking demo and sampling area, giving spectators a front-row seat to some of the best pitmasters in the country doing what they do best.
The $20,000 prize purse drew some of the circuit’s top talent. Big John’s BBQ took home the grand championship. Burnin and Lootin finished in 2nd place.
2026 – Save the Date
The 3rd annual BBQ Jackpot is Nov. 21, 2026, at Silverton Casino in Las Vegas. Registration details coming soon.
