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.

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

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)

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)

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

Pitmasters must:

Sign the agreement + waiver
Confirm attendance by the deadline
Submit a short “competitor bio” for marketing

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.)

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

Competition Format

Three scored rounds:

Appetizer
Entrée
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

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

Pitmasters Apply Here

Step 5: Pre-Event Readiness Check

Step 6: Competition Day Check-In

Competition Format

Pitmasters
Apply Here