LYNCHBURG, Tenn. — This weekend, the 37th Annual Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational Barbecue in Lynchburg, awarded Calgary-based barbecue team SmellaQue the title of Grand Champion, earning $25,000 and the chance to defend its trophy at next year’s competition.

“This title means so much to us because it’s a win for the entire international community,” said Janice Smella, SmellaQue’s pitmaster. “Coming into the U.S. to compete at any level is an absolute privilege, but to stand on this stage representing international teams everywhere is truly epic.” 

It’s just the second time in the event’s nearly 40 year history that an international team and a woman-led team has won. Back in 2004, Mad Cows BBQ from the United Kingdom won. They were also led by a woman, Chief Cook Jackie Weight.

Founded in 2014 when Smella purchased her first smoker, SmellaQue began as a family hobby in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Driven by curiosity and precision, what started as a family passion soon took them across the border to compete throughout the U.S.

This year, 99 teams from around the world including New Zealand, Estonia, Brazil and more competed at The Jack in categories including Pork Ribs, Pork Shoulder/Butts, Beef Brisket, Chicken, Dessert, Jack Daniel’s Sauce, and Cook’s Choice. To qualify to compete, domestic teams must have won a state championship with a minimum of 25 competing teams, or a competition with more than 50 teams battling in the categories of Pork Ribs, Pork Butts, Chicken and Beef Brisket. 

“For nearly four decades, The Jack has brought together the most talented pitmasters in the world to our hometown to show off their skills,” said Jack Daniel’s Master Distiller Chris Fletcher. “It’s an honor to award this year’s top prize to SmellaQue, who share the same commitment to craft that we put into every drop of the Tennessee whiskey we make.”

B’s Que was named the Reserve Grand Champion, taking home a cash prize of $10,000.

The top 10 team’s based on overall scores were as follows: 1) SmellaQue, 709.7144, 2) B’s Que, 702.8228, 3) Muttley Crew BBQ, 702.7884, 4) Janky Leg BBQ, 701.6456, 5) Son of a Boar BBQ, 699.9888, 6) Blind Fox BBQ, 699.3944, 7) Kings BBQ Team    699.3712, 8) Hot Daddy’s BBQ, 699.3712, 9) Smokin Hoggz BBQ – MA, 699.3484, and 10) Glamping Grillers, 698.2284.

Four team earned a perfect 180 score in the Chicken category: Hot Daddy’s BBQ, ELJEFE Smoke, Muttley Crew BBQ, and Heath Riles BBQ. Three teams earned a perfect 180 score in Pork Ribs: Mudville BBQ, Food’Venture Grill & BBQ, and Black Bark Coyotes BBQ. Three teams earned a perfect 180 score in the Pork category: Cynical BBQ, Cooklounge BBQ, and Cast Iron Cookers. Three teams also earned a perfect 180 score in the Brisket category: LC BBQ, Humphrey’s BBQ, and Glamping Grillers.

In the ancillary categories, Porky Butts BBQ won the Sauce Category. All Jacked Up walked away with first place in the Dessert category.

The Pioneer of Barbecue Award went tot Mark Lambert and the Volunteer of the Year Award went to Larry and Jane Gaschen.

The date for the 2027 event is already set. It will take place on Friday, October 8 and Saturday, October 9. To see a complete list of all of this year’s teams and how they ranked, visit the Kansas City Barbecue Society’s website by clicking here. •

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