Whole Hog Barbecue

05/27/2026

Earlier in the month one of our beloved whole hog contests took place, May 2, BBQ Fest on the Neuse!

It was rainy, but the barbecue was still top notch! Below is our recap video.

Visit this link to learn more about the event and see a list of the winners: https://www.neusenews.com/index/2026/5/2/45th-annual-bbq-fest-on-the-neuse-draws-teams-crowns-winners-in-kinston

05/20/2026

Still time to sign up!

🔥🍖 Calling All Pitmasters! 🍖🔥

Good news—we’ve extended the cooking team deadline to June 1 for Beach, Brew & Que… but we only need 4 more teams to round out the competition! 👏🔥

If you’ve been thinking about signing up, this is your sign. Gather your crew, fire up the smoker, and join us for an unforgettable day of BBQ, brews, and bragging rights! 🏆

📅 New Team Deadline: June 1, 2026
💲 Entry Fee: $150 (non-refundable)
📍 Each team receives a 12x20 outdoor cooking space (bring your own setup)

👉 Click the link in our comments to apply!

Don’t wait—those final 4 spots won’t last long! 🔥

05/18/2026

One of our well-known NC whole hog cook duos went national and we couldn’t be more proud of them representing NC.

05/18/2026

All night long, pigs were cookin', bullfrogs were singin' and NC barbecue history was being made.

Congrats to all of the winners of the 2026 State Championship and thanks to everyone who came out, helped out, judged and made this event what it is today.

To access the full gallery of photos visit: https://ncpc.pixieset.com/2026wholehogstatebbqchampionshipgtbncfest/
Download pin: 8816
Photo downloads will be available for the next two weeks.

05/16/2026

🏆 Your 2026 Whole Hog State Champs are listed below 🏆

More pictures and videos to come!

2026 Whole Hog BBQ Championship
SAUCE
3rd place
James Scott
Here Piggie Piggie

2026 Whole Hog BBQ Championship
SAUCE
2nd place
Alex Belonduich
Triple B BBQ

2026 Whole Hog BBQ Championship
SAUCE
1st place
Chris Fineran
Beach Boys BBQ

2026 Whole Hog BBQ Championship
PEOPLE'S CHOICE
3rd place
James Scott
Here Piggie Piggie

2026 Whole Hog BBQ Championship
PEOPLE'S CHOICE
2nd Place
Mark Copeland & Billy Perry
Poccosin Boys

2026 Whole Hog BBQ Championship
PEOPLE'S CHOICE
1st Place
Ryan Murphy
Ring of Fire

2026 Whole Hog BBQ Championship
BLIND TASTE
1st Place
Mark Copeland & Billy Perry
Poccosin Boys

2026 Whole Hog BBQ Championship
ON SITE Culinary
3rd place
David Murray

2026 Whole Hog BBQ Championship
ON SITE Culinary
2nd Place
Andy Harrison
Mr. Curley’s Cue Crew

2026 Whole Hog BBQ Championship
ON SITE Culinary
1st Place
Billy John Narron
Wicked Pig

Crispy Skin
Billy John Naron
Chris Fineran
Tim Wallers
Ralph LeGrand
David Murray
Andy Harrison

05/11/2026

The cook team registration is quickly approaching for this event. May 15! The event is June 13 at the Duplin Events Center.

🔥🍖 The Pitmasters Are Signing Up… Are You? 🍖🔥

The grills are heating up and the competition is stacking up for Beach, Brew & Que! These teams are already locked in and ready to bring the flavor:

🐖 Here Piggie Piggiee
🔥 Phil’ Grill
🍖 Cuein’ Up With The Joneses
🍗 Baker Boys BBQ
🔥 J&J BBQ
🌴 Beach Boys BBQ
🧂 Grate Sauces & Rubs
🤠 Kountry Boyz Grilling Team
🐖 Broad Slab BBQ

Think you’ve got what it takes to compete? There’s still time—but not much!

📅 Cooking Team Deadline: May 15, 2026
💲 Entry Fee: $150 (non-refundable)
📍 Each team gets a 12×20 outdoor space (bring your own setup)

Don’t get left on the sidelines—secure your spot and bring the heat! 🔥

05/11/2026

Gear up for this event on June 13, 2026, at the Duplin Events Center!

05/05/2026

As promised, her are some photos from the beloved Newport Pig Cookin Contest.

Since it was the last contest, we want to know your favorite memories in the comments below. ⬇

05/04/2026

Who is going to take home the gold this year at the State Championship? 🏆

Held at the Festival in Raleigh at the State Fairgrounds May 15-16. These pitmasters have been working hard all year serving up juicy whole hog barbecue all year long, all across the state. 🚗💨🔥

Seen are our winners in different categories from last year, but we are excited to see who wins this year!!

The Got to Be NC Festival is a free event. Cooks will be setting up in the Village of Yester Year Friday, May 15 and cooking all night. Feel free to stop by, see how it's done, ask the cooks questions and smell the amazing aromas. Come back Saturday morning, May 16 to see the judges make their rounds sampling all of the barbecue and preparing their scoresheets. The State Champion will be crowned around lunch and NC barbecue history will be made! Don't miss it. 📰