High School BBQ State Championship returns to Granite Shoals
The High School BBQ State Championship will take place in Granite Shoals this year. Courtesy of Visit Granite Shoals.
The High School BBQ State Championship is back in Granite Shoals April 24-25, with local teams from Marble Falls High School and Llano High School joining the statewide competition.
The event, held for the second year at Quarry Park, 2221 N. Phillips Road, is expected to feature about 120 teams and draw thousands of visitors to Granite Shoals. Last year, the championship attracted 2,500 to 3,000 people, filling hotels and Airbnbs as far as Lakeway and Lampasas.
The championship awarded a total of $80,000 in scholarships in 2025.
Friday, April 24, is set for student prep and setup, while the main competition begins Saturday, April 25, with students arriving as early as 5 a.m. Coaches can offer verbal guidance but must remain outside designated cooking areas throughout the day.
Granite Shoals Fire Chief Tim Campbell is coaching the Marble Falls High School team alongside Police Chief John Ortis. Campbell is no stranger to the world of barbecue, having won a 2016 state championship with his brothers in the Lone Star Barbecue Society. The family is also known for their brand, 5C Smokehouse Sauces & Seasonings.
“It’s a great event and great for the kids. We enjoy seeing the kids carry on the legacy,” Campbell told DailyTrib. “Having this many kids and people from across the state from the Panhandle to the Valley who haven’t seen Granite Shoals or Quarry Park, it’s a big deal for us.”
High School BBQ, Inc., founded in 2018, is a nonprofit and the first high school barbecue organization in the U.S. It was featured on the Magnolia Network during its 2023-24 season and runs its competition season alongside the academic year, with regionals beginning in September and the state championship concluding the season each April.
Those interested in judging the event can submit an application online.