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Grilling Skewered Meat

Pitmasters
Apply Here

Who Can Apply

This competition is built for amateur pitmasters and backyard legends who are ready to cook under pressure, stay organized, and bring big flavor for a live audience. You don’t need a restaurant or catering business—just real skills, a clean setup, and the ability to deliver across all rounds.

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What We’re Looking For

Applicants will be selected based on:

  • Skill & consistency (technique, doneness, balance, seasoning)

  • Readiness (equipment, food safety, timing, station organization)

  • Creativity + execution (clean flavors, strong concepts, crowd appeal)

  • Ability to compete live (energy, professionalism, composure)

  • Promotion support (willingness to post and help drive hype)

Spots are limited. Applying doesn’t guarantee placement.

Application Timeline & Steps

Step 1: Submit Application (Online)

Applicants complete the official form and upload/submit:

  • Short cooking background

  • Links to social media (optional but encouraged)

  • 3–6 photos of your BBQ/cooks

  • 1 video link (highly recommended) showing your process or final plate

  • Basic equipment list + fuel preferences (charcoal/wood/pellets/gas)

  • Availability confirmation + location (Utah)

 

Submission window: February 1st, 2026, to May 17th, 2026
 

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Pitmaster Application Form

Age confirmation (18+ or with adult team lead)
Month
Day
Year

Your BBQ Background

How long have you been cooking BBQ?
Just starting
6–12 months
1–3 years
3+ years
How often do you cook BBQ at home?
Monthly
Weekly
2–3x per week
Other
Have you competed before?
No
Yes - 1 time
Yes (2–5 times)
Yes (6+ times)
What are you best at? (choose up to 3)

Your Planned Submissions

Do you plan to include any store-bought components? (sauce, rub, dessert base, etc.)
Yes
No

 Equipment & Setup

What cooker(s) will you use?
Check the boxes if your bringing your own:
Do you need electricity at your spot? (Yes/No)
Yes
No

Food Safety

Do you have a food handler permit?
Yes
No
Not yet (willing to get one if selected)
Are you comfortable following basic sanitation rules? (Yes/No)
Yes
No
Can you arrive for setup/check-in at the required time? (Yes/No)
Yes
No

Readiness & Event Expectations

Are you comfortable cooking on a schedule with strict turn-in times? (Yes/No)
Yes
No
If selected, can you commit to competing the full event day? (Yes/No)
Yes
No
Do you agree to keep your area clean and respect event staff/other teams? (Yes/No)
Yes
No

Promotion

Are you willing to help promote the event on social media?
Yes
No
If yes, what can you commit to?
1 post + 3 stories
2 posts + 5 stories
1 reel + stories

Final Confirmations

Confirm you’ll bring your own ingredients and supplies needed to cook and present your food.
Yes
No
Confirm you understand that late turn-ins may be disqualified.
Yes
No
Confirm you agree to follow event safety rules (fire safety, cleanliness, respectful conduct).
Yes
No

Step 2: Screening Review (Scorecard)

Sip and Vibe SLC + Queen Hollidae review and score each applicant. Top candidates move forward.

Applicants are evaluated on:

  • Portfolio quality (photos/video)

  • Experience and scale

  • Live-event readiness (station, timing, hygiene)

  • Fit for the show (energy + professionalism)

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Step 3: Interview / Quick Phone Call (Finalists)

Finalists complete a 10–15-minute check-in to confirm:

  • Competition expectations

  • Equipment/station requirements

  • Safety + timing readiness

  • Willingness to promote

  • Any dietary or ingredient constraints (if applicable)

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Step 4: Acceptance & Confirmation Packet

Selected pitmasters receive:

  • Official acceptance email

  • Competition rules + scoring breakdown

  • Load-in/load-out times

  • Allowed equipment + power/fuel guidelines

  • Food safety requirements

  • Promotion toolkit (graphics, captions, hashtags)

  • Liability/waiver + participation agreement

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Pitmasters must:

  • Sign the agreement + waiver

  • Confirm attendance by the deadline

  • Submit a short “competitor bio” for marketing

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Step 5: Pre-Event Readiness Check

1–2 weeks before the event, selected pitmasters submit:

  • Final equipment confirmation

  • Cooking plan overview (not recipes—just timing + round strategy)

  • Curated basket overview for each round (general, not secret details)

  • Any special requests (power, space needs, etc.)

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Step 6: Competition Day Check-In

Pitmasters arrive, set up, and complete:

  • Station inspection (cleanliness, safe storage, fire safety)

  • Quick briefing (timing, turn-in format, judging flow)

  • Live kickoff and competition start

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Competition Format

Three scored rounds:

  1. Appetizer

  2. Entrée

  3. Dessert

This is not a mystery ingredient event. Pitmasters bring their own curated baskets and prove their craft on the grill.

Grand Prize: $5,000 + major bragging rights

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​What Pitmasters Must Provide

  • Your own ingredients + curated baskets for each round

  • Your own grill/smoker + tools + fuel (unless otherwise stated)

  • Food-safe storage (coolers, ice, thermometers, gloves, sanitizing supplies)

  • Clean, professional station setup

  • Ability to cook within timed rounds and present for judging

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