About

About

Welcome to the

Ultimate BBQ Showdown!

We proudly present this year's Rib Cook-Off, brought to you by Nugget Casino Resort. Dive into a world where the finest BBQ teams battle it out for glory, a slice of nearly $20,000 in prize money, and the coveted title of BBQ Champion.

Event Map

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.

Check Rib Cookers

Pet Policy

Pets and non-service animals are not permitted on Victorian Square per local regulations.

Local Regulations

Rib Cook Off

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.

Check out

Featured Coverage

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.

Reno News & Review

Best of Northern Nevada – 2022 Best Special Event in Downtown Sparks

Best Festivals Recognition

January 27, 2020 | By MSN

Nevada Magazine

names Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook Off the 2017 Best Food Festival in Northern Nevada!

YouTube

Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook Off 2016 Winners featured on YouTube!

Travel Channel: Ribs Paradise

By Erica Walsh

The Today Show: Today’s Top Spot

September 1, 2013

Smarter Travel: Foods You Must Have in the Summer

August 15, 2013 | By Christine Sarkis

Salon.com: 10 Summer Food Festivals Worth the Pit Stop

June 10, 2013 | By Salon Staff

Sacramento Bee: Escapes: Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook-Off Gets Smokin’

August 31 2015 | Allen Pierleoni

MSNBC: The List: Delicious Food Festivals

June 12, 2013 | By MSNBC Staff

Bloomberg: Summer Festivals From Spam to Lebowski

May 23, 2012 | By Bloomberg Rankings

TUMS: The #TUMSworthy Tour Visits Reno

Oct. 27, 2015 | TUMS

SF Gate: 101 Tons of Ribs Vanish

September 7, 2012 | By Spud Hilton

SF Gate: Burning Question: Man vs. Meat?

August 30, 2012 | By Spud Hilton

NY Daily News: Barbecue cook-offs serve up heaping portions of fun

October 20, 2009 | By David Latt

New York Times: Barbecue’s Main Events

August 17, 2007 | By Austin Considine

San Francisco Examiner: Where’s the beef? At the Nugget Rib Cook-Off

August 2000 | By Staff