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Ultimate BBQ Showdown!
Often referred to as the Super Bowl of rib competitions on the national BBQ competition circuit, the annual Labor Day Weekend event spans more than 6 city blocks in the heart of downtown Sparks, Nevada. Two dozen of the country’s best BBQ teams competed for nearly $20,000 in prize money plus prestigious bragging rights! It is estimated that 350,000-400,000 BBQ enthusiasts take part in the festivities each year consuming more than 250,000 pounds of mouthwatering ribs during the 6-day festival.
In addition to the best BBQ around, a wide variety of activities are offered including a huge arts and crafts vendor show, kids area, VIP area and top named entertainment performing on two stages. There is no admission fee and the event is open to the public.
Location
Victorian Square, Sparks, Nevada on Victorian Avenue between 14th Street and Pyramid Way.
Where to stay
Stay in the heart of the action at the Nugget Casino Resort, located on Victorian Square.
Free Parking
Parking near the event is extremely limited and fills quickly. We recommend taking advantage of the free shuttle service!
What to eat
Check out the list of Rib Cookers and find your favorites.
Walk down the street and purchase from all the vendors. Ticket addition not required.
Pet Policy
Pets and non-service animals are not permitted on Victorian Square per local regulations.
Judges
As rib cookers from all over the world compete for top honors at the Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook Off, a carefully selected panel of judges will work behind-the-scenes to determine who makes the best ribs!
It’s not just bragging rights they’re competing for – $19,500 in cash is up for grabs for the cookers who impress the judges. As always, the judges are not permitted to sample any ribs from the cookers before the judging takes place. The judging is double-blind, meaning neither the judges, nor the staff setting up the judging know which ribs belong to which cooker.
The judges will eat the same ribs served to customers during the cook-off.
This year’s judges are a mix of top culinary professionals, food critics and media personalities who share a passion for delicious BBQ.
The Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook-Off is the biggest barbecue festival in the country! The long-running and highly popular barbecue event has been featured in numerous national and international shows and publications, including TMZ, The Travel Channel, The Today Show and USA Today. Don’t take our word for it, check out the reviews and news coverage below.