Famous Dave’s Fires Up Third Annual All-Star BBQ Series This May, Leading Up to the 2025 World Food Championships

This year’s series carries even greater weight: Famous Dave’s has been named the Official Barbecue Category Sponsor of the 2025 World Food Championships, set to take place this October in Indianapolis, where pitmasters will compete for over $450,000 in cash and prizes.

“Barbecue is in our bones. From the very beginning, Famous Dave’s was born out of a love for smoked meats, competitions and community,” said founder Dave Anderson. “To now see that same spirit carried forward through our partnership with the WFC — on a national stage — is a dream come true.”

Adding even more excitement to this year’s Famous Dave’s All-Star BBQ Series, both Anderson and barbecue icon Harry Soo will serve as Master Judges at select events throughout the tour. Anderson, whose passion and legacy are the heart of the brand, brings an unmatched enthusiasm and deep appreciation for the barbecue community. Joining him is Soo — founder of Slap Yo Daddy BBQ, BBQ Pitmasters champion, and one of the most respected names in the food sport world.

Soo’s presence as a Master Judge brings a level of prestige, fairness, and technical insight to the judging table, honed through more than 100 BBQ awards and a global following of fans and aspiring pitmasters.

Each stop on the 2025 Famous Dave’s All-Star BBQ Series will feature local and regional barbecue masters battling it out in a three-category cook-off: chicken, ribs and a wild card entry. Judges will include local celebrities, barbecue experts, and Famous Dave’s franchise owners, using WFC’s E.A.T.™ Methodology (execution, appearance and taste) in a live, open judging format.

2025 Tour Schedule:

• May 3 – Indianapolis, Indianapolis

• May 31 – Fresno, California

• June 7 – Modesto, California

• June 14 – Colorado Springs, Colorado

• June 21 – Rancho Cucamonga, California

• June 28 – Las Vegas, Nevada

• July 19 – Taylor, Michigan

• July 26 – El Paso, Texas

• August 16 – Minnetonka, Minnesota

• August 23 – Union Gap, Washington

Winners of each event will receive a Golden Ticket to compete at the 2025 WFC in Indianapolis — with their entry fee waived — as well as prize money including a $1,000 Grand Champion award, a $400 Reserve Grand prize, and cash prizes for top placements in each category.

"We are thrilled to welcome back Famous Dave’s as the Official Barbecue Category Sponsor for the 2025 World Food Championships,” said founder Mike McCloud. “Their passion for barbecue and commitment to excellence aligns perfectly with our mission of showcasing the best in Food Sport. Additionally, their continued investment in the Famous Dave’s All-Star BBQ Series will provide an incredible opportunity for talented pitmasters to earn their way to Indianapolis and compete on the biggest stage in Food Sport.”

Guests at each Famous Dave’s location can attend these events for free, sampling barbecue wings prepared by the competitors, enjoying Kurvball Original Barbecue Whiskey, picking up commemorative swag, and celebrating with great food, music, and community.

“We’re fired up to continue our partnership with the World Food Championships as the official sponsor of the Barbecue Category in 2025,” said Dallas Massey, senior vice president of marketing at BBQ Holdings, Inc. “Barbecue is more than just food — it’s a passion, a craft and a culture. As a leader in the barbecue industry, we see this as a unique opportunity to showcase our commitment to the craft, engage with top culinary talent and reinforce our brand’s position at the forefront of barbecue excellence.”