Want to be a Memphis in May barbecue contest judge? Here's how.

Jennifer Chandler, Memphis Commercial Appeal
·1 min read

Do you love barbecue? If so, you are qualified to be a judge for the Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest.

According to the contest's judges' manual, the two requirements to be a judge are: “You’re passionate about perfectly prepared pork barbecue” and “You’re not a vegan.”

Each year Memphis in May hosts one judges seminar. This year's seminar is Nov. 5.

Being a judge at the Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest is a serious affair. This is the “world championship,” after all.

Memphis in May:Meet the winners of the 2022 World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest

Memphis Barbecue:A Bluff City BBQ tour: 5 Memphis barbecue sandwiches in just 4 hours. Here's what we ate.

Judges must be certified in a day-long class before being allowed to participate. It’s a coveted position within the event treated with respect and reverence.

The seminar is held each year to instruct and train new barbecue judges for the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest. Successful attendees are invited to judge during the 2023 competition.

On-site finals judging at the Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest.
On-site finals judging at the Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest.

Topics covered at the judges seminar include the Memphis in May judging process and rules, official WCBCC meat categories, scoring process, blind, on-site and finals judging. Prospective judges will sample barbecue from a WCBCC competition team during simulated judging exercises.

Space is limited, and the seminar usually sells out. The deadline to apply is Oct. 31.

The 2023 Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest is May 17-20 at Tom Lee Park.

Jennifer Chandler is the Food & Dining reporter at The Commercial Appeal. She can be reached at jennifer.chandler@commercialappeal.com and you can follow her on Twitter and Instagram at @cookwjennifer.

A Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest judge listens intently while a competitor does his on-site presentation.
A Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest judge listens intently while a competitor does his on-site presentation.

Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest Judges Seminar

When: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 5

Where: DoubleTree by Hilton, 185 Union Ave.

Registration Fee: $109

Online: memphisinmay.org/judgebarbecue

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis in May: How to become a barbecue contest judge