Judge applicants may use the following online form to apply for the Grand Am. Judges must have a current Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS) membership and have taken the official KCBS Certified BBQ Judge (CBJ) course/refresher to sit at a table and score the meats presented, but non-CBJ volunteers are welcome to assist with other tasks. Table captains and volunteers from the Saturday contest get first opportunity to Judge the Sunday Contest.

Judges are required to arrive no later than 9:30 am each day, at which time a chip draw will take place to assign tables and tasks, followed by the official Judges Meeting.

Important Note: Upon submission of the judging application, you agree to be part of the entire event and to assist where needed, as ALL TASKS are important for the event’s success. This includes (but is not limited to):

  • Judging (seated at a table and scoring the meats)

  • Being a Table Captain,

  • Working the Turn-In-Table, Number Changing area and/or Leftover area,

  • Assisting a team as a runner with their turn-in boxes

  • Acting as a team liaison for the VIP Pit Pass on Saturday

  • Acting as a Table Captain for VIP Honorary Judges on Sunday

If you are unable to perform any of these duties, please state so when you apply. Assignments and table/seat selection will be made day-of registration at the event.

Lodging and Camping suggestions can be found here: Where to stay


All judges are assigned to the Wait List until a minimum number of teams have signed up per contest. At that point, the Grand Am will contact judges in the order of application to confirm their participation. This may not happen until a few months or weeks before a contest, so we appreciate your patience!


JUDGE APPLICATION

Up to (4) Judges may sign up on the application below. All Judges will be placed on the Wait List until sufficient Team numbers have been confirmed. Thank you for your patience and flexibility.

Reminder: Upon submission of the judging application, you agree to be part of the entire event.

This includes (but is not limited to):

  • Judging (seated at a table and scoring the meats)

  • Being a Table Captain,

  • Working the Turn-In-Table, Number Changing area and/or Leftover area,

  • Assisting a team as a runner with their turn-in boxes

  • Acting as a team liaison for the VIP Pit Pass on Saturday

  • Acting as a Table Captain for VIP Honorary Judges on Sunday

If you are unable to perform any of these duties, please state so when you apply. Judging assignments and table/seat selection will be made at day-of registration.

2025 Grand American Barbecue World Championship — “The Grand Am”

* REQUIRED FIELDS