SMOKIN' ON THE RIO WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BBQ COOKOFF 2027

Official Rules, Regulations, Terms and Conditions

February 12–13, 2027



These Official Rules and Regulations ("Rules") govern participation in the Smokin' On The Rio ("SOTR") World Championship BBQ Cookoff Competition. By registering for and participating in the event, each team, team member, guest, vendor, and representative ("Participant") acknowledges that they have read, understood, and agree to comply with these Rules. Failure to comply may result in penalties including, but not limited to, disqualification, removal from the event, forfeiture of awards or prize money, denial of future participation, and any other remedy deemed appropriate by SOTR Board.

SOTR reserves the right to interpret, amend, or enforce these Rules at its sole discretion to ensure the safety, integrity, and successful operation of the event.


SECTION I

GENERAL EVENT RULES

1. Event Dates

The Smokin' On The Rio World Championship BBQ Competition shall be held on Friday, February 12, 2027, through Saturday, February 13, 2027.

2. Jackpot Competitions

Jackpot competitions shall consist of Beans and Fajitas on Friday, February 12, 2027. All jackpot competitions shall be governed by the Champions Barbecue Alliance ("CBA") Rules in addition to these Rules. Jackpot registration for Returning Teams will open October 1, 2026 at 10AM and will close February 11, 2027 at 10PM. Jackpot registration for Open Registration will open December 15, 2026 an will close February 11, 2027.

3. Sanctioning Body

The barbecue competition is officially sanctioned by the Champions Barbecue Alliance (CBA). All Participants shall comply with current CBA Rules unless expressly modified by these Rules.

4. Returning Team Registration

Returning teams from the 2026 competition shall receive an exclusive registration period during which they may reserve the same campsite occupied during the previous event. Upon expiration of this registration period, all remaining campsites shall become available to the general public. Returning team registration open October 1, 2026 at 10AM and will close on December 14, 2026 at 10PM. Open registration will open December 15, 2026 at 10AM and will close on February 11, 2027 at 10PM.

5. Registration Fees

All registration fees, campsite fees, jackpot entry fees, and any other event-related fees are non-refundable. No refunds, credits, transfers, or cancellations shall be granted for any reason.

6. Portable Restrooms and Rental Tents

Private portable restrooms ("porta-cans") and rental tents must be ordered exclusively through Smokin' On The Rio. Outside vendors providing portable restrooms or rental tents shall not be permitted within the event grounds. Personal pop-up canopies and privately owned shade structures are permitted. Add on registration for Returning Teams will open October 1, 2026 at 10AM and will close February 11, 2027 at 10PM. Add on registration for Open Registration will open December 15, 2026 an will close February 11, 2027.

 

7. Stakes Prohibited

The use of stakes, spikes, anchors, rebar, or any ground-penetrating devices on paved surfaces is strictly prohibited.

8. Team Check-In

Official team check-in shall occur during the following times:


  • Thursday: 12:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
  • Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

All teams must complete check-in no later than 6:00 p.m. Friday.

Event gates shall close promptly at 6:01 p.m. Friday and shall remain locked until after the Awards Ceremony on Saturday. No exceptions shall be granted.

9. Returning Team Campsite Selection

Returning teams wishing to retain their previous campsite must register during the Returning Team Registration Period. Campsites not reserved during that period shall be released for public selection.

10. New Team Campsite Selection

New teams shall select available campsites through the official online registration system.

11. Vehicle Limit

A maximum of one (1) vehicle shall be permitted within each campsite during the event.

 

12. Entertainment Vehicles

Bands or entertainers hired by participating teams are prohibited from moving vehicles within the secured event grounds between 6:00 p.m. Friday and the conclusion of the Awards Ceremony on Saturday. Vehicles remaining inside the secured area during this period shall not be permitted to exit until after the Awards Ceremony.

13. Authorized Vehicles

Only vehicles specifically authorized by Smokin' On The Rio Board shall be permitted to operate or exit the event grounds during restricted event hours.

14. Ice and Alcohol

Outside ice and alcoholic beverages are prohibited from entering the secured event grounds during the event. Ice and beer will be available for purchase onsite by registered cooking teams.

15. Fire Safety

Each campsite shall maintain a minimum of one (1) operational fire extinguisher in compliance with local fire regulations.

16. Motorized Transportation

Motorized transportation is prohibited throughout the event grounds. This prohibition includes, but is not limited to:


  • Golf carts
  • Utility vehicles (UTVs)
  • Side-by-sides
  • Four-wheelers (ATVs)
  • Motorcycles
  • Bicycles
  • Electric bicycles
  • Scooters
  • Hoverboards
  • Skateboards

The only exception shall be medically necessary mobility devices, including electric wheelchairs used by individuals with disabilities.

17. Pets

Pets are prohibited within the event grounds unless otherwise required by applicable law for trained service animals.

 

18. Campsite Dimensions

Each registered team shall receive an assigned campsite measuring approximately 40 feet by 40 feet. Actual dimensions may vary depending upon site location.

19. Utilities

Electrical service and water access shall be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Participants are responsible for providing sufficient extension cords, hoses, adapters, and related equipment.

Smokin' On The Rio does not guarantee electrical service, water access, electrical amperage, electrical load capacity, or uninterrupted utility service at every campsite.

20. Propane Burners

Propane burners may only be used in the preparation of beans.

21. Cooking Equipment

Multiple barbecue pits are permitted provided that all cooking equipment, supplies, trailers, and team property remain entirely within the assigned campsite boundaries.

22. Generators

Portable generators are permitted.

23. Merchandise Sales

The sale of merchandise from campsites is prohibited unless prior written approval has been granted by Smokin' On The Rio Board.

24. Secured Competition Grounds

The secured cooking team area shall be closed beginning Friday, February 12, 2027, at 6:01 p.m. CST and shall remain secured until immediately following the Awards Ceremony on Saturday.

25. Event Exit Procedures

Mercedes Police Department personnel shall assist with the orderly departure of participants following the Awards Ceremony. Teams shall exit through the nearest designated gate as directed by event staff.

26. Unauthorized Vehicle Operation

Any Team Member or Team Guest operating any vehicle within the secured event grounds between 6:01 p.m. Friday and the conclusion of the Awards Ceremony on Saturday shall be subject to immediate disqualification and/or prohibition from participation in future Smokin' On The Rio events.

No exceptions shall be granted.

27. Meat Inspections

Random meat inspections shall be conducted on Friday between 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.

28. Head Cook Meeting

The mandatory Head Cook Meeting shall be held Friday at 6:00 p.m. inside the Event Center.

29. Jackpot Containers

Beans and Fajitas entries shall be checked in Friday evening between 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. inside the Event Center.

Each jackpot competition requires a separate $50 entry fee, payable through the online registration system no later than 10:00 p.m. on February 11, 2027.

Late entries shall not be accepted.

30. Concert Tickets

Concert admission is not included with team registration. Concert tickets must be purchased separately.

31. Campsite Cleanliness

Each team is solely responsible for maintaining its assigned campsite.

Prior to the Awards Ceremony, all trash shall be collected and placed in designated trash receptacles. Campsites, including asphalt, gravel, grass, and surrounding areas, shall be left free of litter, ash, charcoal, and debris.

Hot ashes or charcoal shall not be deposited in trash receptacles or dumpsters and shall not be left at campsites.

Failure to comply may result in penalties or future participation restrictions.

32. Rule Violations

Violations of any Smokin' On The Rio Rule or applicable CBA Rule may result in:

Disqualification;

Removal from the competition;


  • Forfeiture of awards or prize money;
  • Suspension or prohibition from future events; and/or
  • Any additional sanctions deemed appropriate by event management.

33. Tax Reporting

Pursuant to applicable federal tax laws, any contestant receiving prize winnings totaling $2,001.00 or more shall be required to complete all necessary IRS tax reporting documentation, including Form 1099, prior to payment.


SECTION II

YOUTH DIVISION

(HIGH SCHOOL, FFA & 4-H DIVISION RULES)

The following Rules apply exclusively to teams competing in the Youth Division (High School, FFA, and 4-H) and shall supplement all Smokin' On The Rio Rules and all applicable CBA Rules.

1. Youth Division Campsites

All Youth Division campsites shall be located in the designated area east of the main entrance.

2. Eligible Organizations

The Youth Division includes officially recognized High School, FFA, and 4-H teams.

3. Overnight Stay

High School, FFA, and 4-H teams are not required to remain onsite overnight.

4. Governing Rules

All High School, FFA, and 4-H teams shall comply with:


  • Smokin' On The Rio Rules;
  • Champions Barbecue Alliance Rules; and
  • The additional Youth Division Rules contained herein.

5. Team Eligibility

Each team shall consist of four (4) to five (5) student members.

High School participants must be enrolled in grades 9 through 12.

FFA and 4-H participants must:


  • Be enrolled in grades 9 through 12; and
  • Maintain current membership in their respective organization.

6. Future of BBQ Competition

Members competing on High School, FFA, or 4-H teams shall not participate in the Future of BBQ competition during the same event.

7. Multiple Team Participation

No student may compete as a member of more than one team.

8. Team Supervision

High School and FFA teams shall be supervised by a school district employee or High School staff member possessing an official school email address and traveling in accordance with applicable school district policies. 4H teams shall be supervised Club Advisor or 4H member parent

9. Adult Assistance Prohibited

Coaches, mentors, parents, sponsors, volunteers, and any other adult or non-team member shall not handle or otherwise assist with:


  • Meat;
  • Seasonings;
  • Marinades;
  • Cooking equipment;
  • Barbecue pits; or
  • Food preparation.

Competition activities must be performed exclusively by registered student team members.

10. Alcohol Prohibited

Alcohol is strictly prohibited.

This prohibition includes alcohol used as an ingredient in recipes or food products.

Possession or consumption of alcohol by any High School, FFA, or 4-H participant shall result in immediate disqualification.

11. Turn-In Responsibility

Teams are solely responsible for knowing and meeting all official turn-in deadlines.

12. Campsite Responsibility

Each team shall maintain its assigned campsite in a clean and orderly condition.

All trash shall be deposited in designated receptacles.

Ashes and charcoal shall not be placed in trash containers, dumpsters, or left at the campsite.

Failure to comply may result in penalties, disqualification, or future participation restrictions.


Acknowledgment

By submitting an event registration, each Team, Team Member, and Guest acknowledges that they have read, understood, and agree to comply with these Official Rules and Regulations. Smokin' On The Rio reserves the exclusive right to interpret, administer, enforce, modify, or supplement these Rules as necessary for the safe and orderly conduct of the event. All decisions made by Smokin' On The Rio Board regarding the interpretation or enforcement of these Rules shall be final.