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.
> It is a major stop on the road to $1,000,000! See details below. <
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).
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. Visit our events page to register. A Team Packet will be emailed to registered teams before the event. |
Road to $1 Million
We raised the stakes for the 2026 KCBS World Invitational! There are four opportunities to compete for $1,000,000; The Wells Cup (Open) and the Master Series Invitational will send both Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion to the BBQ World Cup in Las Vegas. Most contests send one team. This weekend sends four. Additionally, our Master Series Invitational Grand Champion will also move straight to the Ring of Fire round at the World Food Championships.
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Youth Que Information
 | On Saturday, May 23rd, kids age 16 and under can compete in our Youth Que. Our partners for this year's event are Weber (providing the grills) and Mister Brisket (providing the burgers and steak). Blues Hog charcoal will be provided by Smokin' Brothers. The 10 and under age division (Kid’s Que) will cook a burger (Wagyu brisket blend). The 11 to 16- year-olds competing in the Junior Q will cook a Wagyu strip steak. This year all contestants will cook in one location on the grills provided. No exceptions to this rule. This event is limited to 50 contestants, 25 per age group. No refunds will be issued. Registration closes on May 11, 2026, or when the event is sold out. Register on the events page. |
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. Selected judges will receive their packets with more details in May. |  |
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 27, 2026 to get the special rate at the Home2 Suites Lebanon.
Use this link to book your room or call 615-449-0000 and use code "KCB".
Reserve by April 21, 2026 to get the special rate at the Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Lebanon
Use this link to book your room or call 615-470-2224 and use code "KBSN".
Reserve by April 22, 2026 to get the special rate at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Lebanon
Use this link to book your room or call 615-994-3225 and use code "KCBS".
T-Shirt Information
Commemorate your 2026 competition experience with a custom shirt!
Images shown below are from previous World Invitational competitions as a sample. All teams who participate in the 2026 event will be on the 2026 Team T-Shirt and all judges who participate in the 2026 event will be on the 2026 Judge T-Shirt.
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Available for purchase NOW through July 2026 at the KCBS Outfitters Merch store > here.
Orders will be taken and processed in two batches:
1st order cut off date: June 15th
2nd order cut off date: July 31st
Shirts will not be available until after June 15th, this will help ensure everyone who attended the event in May are included. Shirts will be shipped directly to you.