Ever since I found out a few years ago that there is also a barbecue championship in Belgium, it has been on my bucket list. And now it has happened.

The choice has been made, the agenda has been blocked, and I'm going to participate!

Help!

How does this work?

When is it?

How much does it cost?

Who does what?

How big is such a team?

Which barbecues?

Where can I get the right meat, or does the organization provide this?

Where am I going to sleep?

Am I even going to sleep?

And then I have to cook too?

Damn, I'm going to have to seriously prepare myself. I'm going to research everything to the bone and prepare better than my exams used to.

And I'm going to document it, and if you want, I'll take you along on this quest.

What do I know by now?

I will be participating in the competition: Low & Slow, which works according to the principles of KCBC (Kansas City Barbecue Society).

So at a certain point you have to submit the best version of Ribs, Pulled Pork, Brisket and Chicken. In addition, there is usually an extra category that is chosen by the organization. For example dessert, or sausage. But you are not obliged to participate in this.

In Belgium there are currently 5 competitions, on 4 locations. And if you participate in at least 3 competitions you participate in the competition and collect points to get to a final ranking. Suppose you participate in 4 or 5 your best 3 results count for the final ranking.

And I am currently registered for:

Spring Break BBC Contest in Lommel / March 27, 22

Eastern BBQ Contest in Ninove / 16 + 17 April 22 (these are 2 contests)

This will be followed by a contest in Aalter in May and in Sint Niklaas in September.

I am announced as BBQ team Barbecoa and have already lost half a kamado in registration fee. Damn, what have I gotten myself into?

Ok, the paperwork is done.

Now the practical part begins: which BBQ? A tent? A mobile home? And a fridge?

And one more team member, because alone is just alone.

The search begins now; I'm going to talk to people who know the circuit.

I'm going to talk to winners and I'm going to the Course Contest BBQ.

What are my expectations?

Not much and at the same time a lot.

Not in terms of rankings, but in terms of experiences, knowledge and skills.

Of course I'm going for the highest possible, but I'm competing against experienced teams, so I'm going to be realistic.

And I'm going to be honest, about my victories and setbacks.

Next step: finding out how this works in practice, and what materials you need.

Wish me luck!