What Is a Rib Cook-Off?
A rib cook-off is a friendly BBQ competition where pitmasters bring their best racks, guests taste and rank all entries, and at the end you crown a champion. It's part cookout, part competition, and 100% delicious.
Whether it's a backyard showdown between friends or a neighborhood championship, a cook-off adds excitement to any BBQ. Instead of just eating great ribs, guests get invested in the competition. Whose secret rub will reign supreme? Will the newcomer dethrone last year's champion?
Campfire Vote makes the voting easy. Pitmasters register their racks, everyone tastes and ranks after the meal, and the app calculates final rankings instantly. No more arguing about whose ribs were best; let the votes decide!
What You'll Need
The Ribs
Each pitmaster brings their rack(s) — aim for 6-12 total entries for a good competition
Grills & Smokers
Coordinate who's bringing what equipment — smokers, grills, charcoal, wood chips
A Prize
A trophy, bragging rights certificate, or the honor of being called the BBQ champion
Campfire Vote
Create your cook-off, share the code, and let guests rank ribs from their phones
Step-by-Step Guide
Before the Cook-Off
- Create your cook-off in Campfire Vote — Log in as host and start a new Rib Cook-Off. Only you pay and pitmasters/guests join for free! You'll get a unique party code to share.
- Send invitations — Invite your pitmasters and guests. Let them know what time to arrive and when ribs should be ready. Share the party code so pitmasters can register their entries.
- Coordinate equipment — Make sure you have enough grill/smoker space. Some pitmasters may bring their own equipment.
- Set ground rules — Decide on rib styles allowed (any cut vs. specific), sauce rules (sauce on side vs. included), and timing.
Day of the Cook-Off
- Pitmasters start early — Ribs take time! Plan for 4-6 hours of cook time. Many hosts have pitmasters arrive in the morning for an afternoon tasting.
- Everyone joins Campfire Vote — Have pitmasters register their racks in the app. Guests can join as tasters.
- Label all entries — Use numbered cards or creative names. Make sure each rack is identifiable for voting.
Tasting Time
- Present the ribs — Slice and plate each entry. Give guests tasting portions of each rack.
- Let everyone taste — Encourage sampling all entries before voting. Have water and bread to cleanse palates between tastings.
- Open voting — Once everyone has tasted, start the voting phase. Give 10-15 minutes for guests to rank all entries.
- Crown the champion — Move to results and reveal the rankings! Award the trophy to your BBQ champion.
Rib Styles to Consider
Different rib cuts and styles bring unique flavors to the competition:
🍖 Baby Back Ribs
Leaner and more tender, curved shape. Faster cook time. Great for beginners.
🔥 Spare Ribs
Larger, meatier, more fat marbling. Longer cook time but richer flavor.
🏆 St. Louis Cut
Spare ribs trimmed into a rectangle. Competition standard. Uniform presentation.
🌶️ Regional Styles
Kansas City (sweet & sticky), Memphis (dry rub), Texas (beef ribs), Carolina (vinegar-based)
Pro Tips
- •Provide tasting plates — Give each guest a plate with numbered sections matching each entry. This helps them keep track while tasting.
- •Keep sauces on the side — Let guests taste the meat first, then offer sauces. This gives a fair comparison of the actual rib preparation.
- •Have backup sides — Coleslaw, baked beans, cornbread, and pickles complement ribs well. Ask non-competing guests to bring sides.
- •Make it an annual tradition — Keep a record of winners. Create a traveling trophy that the champion holds until next year's cook-off.
- •Plan for weather — Have a backup plan for rain. Tents or covered areas keep the cook-off going regardless of weather.