Kara VanDooijeweert Will Judge Jack Daniels Barbecue Event
The 37th annual barbecue competition will take place in Lynchburg, Tennessee, on October 9 and 10, 2026.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Barbecue
Food reporter Kara VanDooijeweert is set to serve as a judge at the 2026 Jack Daniels World Champions Invitational Barbecue. The event, held in Lynchburg, Tennessee, is scheduled for October 9-10, 2026.
Why it matters
The competition draws top qualifying teams from regional barbecue circuits to compete across seven distinct food categories. The event serves as a high-stakes showcase for regional barbecue traditions and expert judging standards.
The 37th annual competition features seven main categories, including pork ribs and beef brisket. Six judges blind-taste each entry, assigning scores from one to nine based on taste, tenderness, and appearance.
The players
Kara VanDooijeweert
She is a food reporter who recently earned her barbecue judging certification in April 2026.
Jack Daniels World Champions Invitational Barbecue
This is a prestigious, long-running competition that selects top barbecue teams through regional qualifying events.
The details
Teams qualify for this invitational through success at various regional barbecue events. Judges evaluate every submission through a rigorous blind tasting process to ensure objective scoring.
Timeline
April 2026: Kara VanDooijeweert received her barbecue judging certification.
September 30-October 4, 2026: VanDooijeweert judged the American Royal World Series of Barbecue.
October 9-10, 2026: The Jack Daniels World Champions Invitational Barbecue takes place in Lynchburg.
Culture Shift
Competitive barbecue has evolved from regional gatherings into a formalized circuit that mirrors professional sports structures. The Lynchburg competition follows the American Royal World Series of Barbecue as a premier destination for top-tier pitmasters.
The influx of competitive teams and enthusiasts for the event will impact local traffic and accommodation availability in Lynchburg. Residents and visitors should expect increased crowds during the two-day competition window.
The takeaway
Competitive barbecue judging requires a disciplined approach to sensory evaluation across seven distinct categories. Enthusiasts can improve their own cooking by focusing on the core metrics of taste, tenderness, and presentation.
What happens next
The winners of the 2026 competition will be announced at the culmination of the event on October 10, 2026.
Further reading
For more on the traditions and history of competitive cooking, explore our Barbecue section.
More information
For a full breakdown of participants, view the list of competition teams.
Source note: This article includes information reported by North Jersey.
