Twenty-eight of the top whole hog barbecue cooks gathered last weekend in downtown Raleigh to compete for more than $7,000 in cash prizes and the 2019 Whole Hog Barbecue State Champion title.

The cooks qualified to compete in the championship by placing in one of 28 local competitions sanctioned by the North Carolina Pork Council.

After more than 24 hours of preparation, cooking and serving in unseasonably high temperatures, Kevin Peterson of Benson took home the top trophy. This is the second time that Kevin and his wife Dana, known on the competition circuit as Showtime’s Legit BBQ, won; they also claimed the championship in 2017. Peterson beat out the defending champion, Chris Fineran of Little River, S.C., who took second and Billy Narron of Middlesex took home third place.

In addition to the top culinary category, winners were also announced for best sauce, crispiest skin, blind taste and people’s choice, which was voted on by attendees at the event.

Winners are announced below:

2019 Whole Hog Barbecue State Championship:
1st Place: Kevin Peterson, Showtime’s Legit BBQ, of Benson
2nd Place: Chris Fineran, Beach Boys BBQ, of Little River, S.C.
3rd Place: Billy Narron, Wicked Pig, of Middlesex

Crispy Skin: Chris Fineran, Beach Boys BBQ, of Little River, S.C.

Blind Taste Judging:
1st Place: Kevin Peterson, Showtime’s Legit BBQ
2nd Place: Jason Baker, Baker Boys BBQ
3rd Place: David Grandy, Lazy Days

Best Sauce:
1st Place: Ashley Wheeler, Smokin’ Black Jack BBQ, of Princeton
2nd Place: Mark Copeland & Billy Perry, Pocosin Boys, of Wilson
3rd Place: Brooke South, South in Your Mouth Cookin’ Team, of Newport

People’s Choice Award, sponsored by BQ Grills:
1st Place: Brooke South, South in Your Mouth Cookin’ Team, of Newport
2nd Place: Justin Boswell, Busted Grills, of Greenville
3rd Place: Kacey Field, KC-Que, of Newport

The event is sponsored and sanctioned by the N.C. Pork Council and proceeds from the wristband sales benefit the Inter-Faith Food Shuttle and the International Bluegrass Music Association Trust Fund.

Source: North Carolina Pork Council, which is solely responsible for the information provided, and wholly owns the information. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.