What is the name of the world's largest barbecue competition, held in Kansas City?

The world’s largest barbecue competition held in Kansas City is the American Royal Barbecue, commonly called the American Royal World Series of Barbecue. It is part of the broader American Royal event in the Kansas City metropolitan area.

The American Royal began as a livestock show in 1899 at the Kansas City Stockyards. Over time, it expanded to include horse shows, rodeos, agricultural exhibitions, and its major barbecue contest. The competition is closely linked with Kansas City’s influential barbecue culture, known for slow-smoked meats and a broad range of sauces and cuts.

The barbecue contest includes categories such as brisket, pork ribs, pork shoulder, chicken, sausage, side dishes, and dessert. This broad format distinguishes it from Memphis in May, which is especially associated with pork barbecue and categories such as ribs, shoulder, and whole hog.

“American Royal Barbecue” is a shortened but unambiguous name for the contest; the fuller modern title is American Royal World Series of Barbecue.