About PNWBA
The Pacific Northwest Barbecue Association is a non profit group devoted to promoting and enjoying great barbecue throughout the Northwest. Our mission is to educate and support the barbecue community through cooking classes, judging classes, and sanctioned BBQ competitions.
The PNWBA was formed in 1991 by a small group of barbecue enthusiasts in the Northwest. What started with about 20 members has grown to more than 800 members, including cooks and judges from across the United States and around the world. The organization is led by a volunteer Board of Directors. Every board member gives their time and energy to help support the members and grow the sport.
Over the years, PNWBA has sanctioned contests from as far north as Whistler, British Columbia, south into Oregon, and east to Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Many of these events are state and provincial championships. Grand Champions from our events earn invitations to compete at major national and world championship contests such as the American Royal, the Jack Daniel’s World Invitational Championship Barbecue Contest, the Great American, and others. Our cooks have proudly competed against some of the best teams in the world and have brought home top honors.
PNWBA events are not only about competition. They are community gatherings that often draw thousands of spectators, sometimes more than 20,000 people. These events also support local charities and raise funds for important causes throughout the Northwest.
Education has always been a big part of what we do. Over the years, the Association has hosted cooking and judging classes to teach the art and science of barbecue. Instructors have included well known barbecue leaders such as Smoky Hale, Paul Kirk, Ray Lampe, Myron Mixon, Tony Stone, Merle Ellis, and our own PNWBA All Star Pitmasters. Our classes cover the four main competition meats: chicken, ribs, pork, and brisket, along with core barbecue techniques and theory. Graduates of our classes have gone on to win national and world championships, while others have simply become outstanding backyard cooks.
Competition barbecue has grown in popularity across the country. It is featured on national television, in magazines, newspapers, and cookbooks. Public figures such as Steve Raichlen, Mo Cason, Rodney Scott, Michael Symon, Kevin Bludsoe, Melissa Cookston, and Megan Day have helped bring barbecue into the spotlight. Prize purses at major events can now reach $50,000, and competitions have become large public festivals.
As the sport continues to grow, so does the PNWBA. We remain focused on sanctioning high quality, public friendly events that support and highlight our cooks, who are the backbone of the association. The future of barbecue in the Northwest is strong, and we are proud to be part of it.
The future is now. Let’s cook.