PNWBA Certified BBQ Judging Class
Enumclaw, Washington

March 28, 2026

Do you think you know great BBQ?

Have you ever wondered what really happens inside the judges’ tent at a BBQ competition?
Are you a pitmaster who wants to learn how judges score entries and how to improve your results?
Or do you simply love classic smoked BBQ?

This is your chance to become a certified BBQ judge with the Pacific Northwest BBQ Association.

The PNWBA Certified BBQ Judging Class is a fun, hands-on experience that teaches you how competition BBQ is judged. You’ll learn what judges look for in appearance, taste, and tenderness, and how scores are determined at sanctioned BBQ events.

As part of the class, students will sample four traditional competition meats prepared to judging standards:

• Chicken
• Pork Ribs
• Pork Butt (Shoulder)
• Beef Brisket

After completing the class, you will be eligible to sign up to judge at any PNWBA-sanctioned BBQ competition.

Class Details

Date: Saturday, March 28, 2026
Time: 2:30 PM to 8:00 PM
Location: Enumclaw Expo Center
45224 284th Ave SE
Enumclaw, WA 98022

Registration Information

Registration closes at the end of day on March 14, 2026.
Class size is limited to 30 students.

Volunteer opportunities are available for Table Captains and Meat Wranglers. If any role fills, a waitlist will be used.

Cost

$95.00 per student
Free for volunteers

The registration fee includes one year of PNWBA membership.
$10.00 of the registration fee is non-refundable for processing.
Cancellations and refunds (minus processing fees) are available through March 14, 2026.

What to Bring

Bring a notebook and pen for notes.
Bring your appetite—there will be plenty of great BBQ to taste.

Instructor

Lance Rasmussen
PNWBA Head Judge

Questions

Lance Rasmussen
Phone/Text: 206-601-2337
Email: lance@pnwba.com

Whether you want to judge, compete smarter, or deepen your love of BBQ, this class is a great way to get involved with the PNWBA.