KCBS World Invitational 2026
Champion pitmasters at the top of their game will compete for $70,000 in prize money, and the KCBS World Champion title at the 8th annual KCBS World Invitational Barbeque Competition held at the James E. Ward Agricultural Center (Wilson County Fairground) in Lebanon, TN May 22-24, 2026.
Friday, May 22, 2026: the KCBS World Invitational kicks off with the World Chicken Finals and the World Rib Finals.
To qualify:
The World Finals qualifying period runs from March 1 through the last day of February, always covering the two-year period leading up to that February deadline, and includes all winners of the KCBS Team of the Year Chicken or Rib category races, and the previous two year's of chicken and rib category winners. Click this link for more details on qualification requirements.
Saturday, May 23, 2026: KCBS hosts the Wells Cup (Open) featuring Backyard teams and Master Series teams from around the world going head-to-head. Teams compete in the Dessert Contest showcasing their creative talents and the Holladay Cocktail Competition demonstrating their mixology skills to highlight Holladay Distillery spirits. KCBS members in good standing can compete in the Master Series Wells Cup.
Sunday, May 24, 2026: The top teams worldwide will compete at the Master Series Invitational and the Backyard Series Invitational battling for the KCBS World Champion titles.
To qualify to compete for cash, trophies, and bragging rights:
• Master Series teams must have won a Grand Championship or Reserve Grand Championship between March 1, 2024-Feb. 28, 2026.
• Backyard Series teams must win 1st place Chicken, 1st place Ribs, Grand Champion at a KCBS-sanctioned Backyard contest between March 1, 2024-Feb. 28, 2026 (Nov. 10, 2024- Feb. 28, 2026).
Click this link to see the Contest Schedule.
Friday, May 22, 2026: the KCBS World Invitational kicks off with the World Chicken Finals and the World Rib Finals.
To qualify:
The World Finals qualifying period runs from March 1 through the last day of February, always covering the two-year period leading up to that February deadline, and includes all winners of the KCBS Team of the Year Chicken or Rib category races, and the previous two year's of chicken and rib category winners. Click this link for more details on qualification requirements.
Saturday, May 23, 2026: KCBS hosts the Wells Cup (Open) featuring Backyard teams and Master Series teams from around the world going head-to-head. Teams compete in the Dessert Contest showcasing their creative talents and the Holladay Cocktail Competition demonstrating their mixology skills to highlight Holladay Distillery spirits. KCBS members in good standing can compete in the Master Series Wells Cup.
Sunday, May 24, 2026: The top teams worldwide will compete at the Master Series Invitational and the Backyard Series Invitational battling for the KCBS World Champion titles.
To qualify to compete for cash, trophies, and bragging rights:
• Master Series teams must have won a Grand Championship or Reserve Grand Championship between March 1, 2024-Feb. 28, 2026.
• Backyard Series teams must win 1st place Chicken, 1st place Ribs, Grand Champion at a KCBS-sanctioned Backyard contest between March 1, 2024-Feb. 28, 2026 (Nov. 10, 2024- Feb. 28, 2026).
Click this link to see the Contest Schedule.
Team Information
 | | Qualifying Dates: March 1, 2024 - February 28, 2026 All KCBS World Invitational qualifiers and competitors must be members in good standing of the Kansas City Barbeque Society. Confirm your membership at www.kcbs.us or call the office at 1-800-963-5227. Team Packet will be emailed to registered teams before the event. |
Kids' Que Information
 | Check back soon for all the details! |
CBJ & Table Captain Information
| Master CBJs will receive preferential seating at the KCBS World Invitational. JCUP certification is required for all CBJs. Judges must be willing to Judge, Table Captain, or Volunteer in the Judging Tent. Judges must be KCBS Certified Barbeque Judges whose membership is in good standing at the time of service. Ensure your membership is in good standing at www.kcbs.us or call the office at 1-800-963-5227. Visit our events page to register and participate in the judging process. NOTE: There are separate applications for each day, however on Friday there are applications for each World Finals event. |  |
Hotel Information
Planning to attend the 2026 World Invitational and need to book a hotel? Reserve with one of our partners and get a special rate!
Click a hotel name below to get the KCBS Rate for that property.
Reserve by April 21, 20206 to get the special rate at the Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Lebanon
Use code "KBSN" if you call in to make your reservation: 816-531-3000.