The World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest took place in Memphis, Tennessee, and featured 129 teams from various countries, including Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Canada, and Brazil. This event, also known as the “Super Bowl of Swine,” serves as a unique cultural exchange where pitmasters share tips and techniques. The Mexican-based team emphasized the motto “el fuego nos une,” meaning “the fire unites us,” highlighting the camaraderie and connection among participants. The smell of wood fire and smoke pervaded the event, creating a sensory experience for all involved.
For the teams that compete in this annual event, backyard barbecue is elevated to fine dining under the sun. Techniques passed down through generations are incorporated into the cooking, creating a multi-cultural community united by a love of food. The Memphis in May International Festival hosted this cooking contest, connecting people from around the world through their shared passion for barbecue. The event has garnered popularity online, spreading the word about the world-class pitmasters who participate each year.
A company called Sociedad Mexicana de Parrilleros has been sending a team from Mexico to compete in Memphis for a decade, learning from and competing against American teams. The team prepared pork shoulder, beef brisket, tacos, and salsas and sauces, showcasing a blend of Mexican and Memphis culinary traditions. Another team called The Pig Diamonds, made up of individuals from Memphis and São Paulo, excelled in unique submissions for various categories, including Brazilian-inspired dishes like coxinha and wagyu brisket beef wellington.
The influence of immigrants on American barbecue traditions is evident in the different flavors and styles that have emerged over time. The son of Greek immigrants, Charlie Vergos, played a significant role in developing Memphis-style ribs at his restaurant, Rendezvous. The flavors and spices from various regions along the Mississippi River have contributed to the dynamic influence in Memphis barbecue, creating a unique blend of flavors and techniques. Competition at the event is fierce, but teams often share techniques and ideas, fostering relationships among participants.
The bonds created at events like the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest in Memphis are deep and lasting. Participants emphasize the importance of spending time with loved ones around the grill, highlighting the communal aspect of barbecue. Despite the competitive nature of the event, pitmasters come together to share their knowledge and passion for cooking, creating a sense of unity and camaraderie among participants. The event serves as a celebration of food, culture, and community, bringing people from different backgrounds together through a shared love of barbecue.
