Ready to put your competition BBQ skills to the test against the best-of-the-best AND get a shot at cash and prizes worth up the $50,000?

If so, the fine folks at Smithfield officially announced today the launch of their new program, the Smokin’ With Smithfield National Barbecue Championship! The announcement was made by Smithfield’s Marketing Director, Emily Detwiler, at the American Royal World Series of Barbecue alongside brand ambassador’s Melissa Cookston, Sterling Ball, Darren Warth, Tuffy Stone, Chris Lilly, and Ernest Servantes.

This competition will show you where you rank against all competition barbecue teams across the country. The cup has two parts: a year-long points chase and a playoff between the top 24 teams from across the country to name one unified National Champion and the chance to win up to $50,000 cash.

In partnership with a neutral third party, BBQData.com, Smithfield has created a points system to rank competition barbecue teams, regardless of major sanctioning body. If you compete in any barbecue competitions sanctioned by Kansas City Barbeque Society, International Barbeque Cookers Association or Florida BBQ Association between the dates of September 1, 2018 and August 31, 2019, you are eligible to earn points in the points chase.

How it works:

• Teams can register at www.SmokinWithSmithfield.com to earn points for competing in barbecue contests sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbeque Society, International Barbeque Cookers Association, or Florida BBQ Association.

• The top 24 teams will be determined based on their total points/final scores, and face-off in a three-round, single elimination playoff contest in New Orleans at the end of 2019.

• The 12 winning teams will then move on to the semi-finals, and in the final round, the remaining 6 teams will go head-to-head for the ultimate title of Smokin’ With Smithfield National Barbecue Champion.

Beginning in January 2019, you can visit SmokinWithSmithfield.com to view the leaderboard and find out where you rank among all teams across the country!

You can learn more and register by completing the registration form at http://www.smokinwithsmithfield.com/national-bbq-cup.