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Over 60 different Southern California-based champion grill masters and BBQ teams will be competing on Saturday at The Queen Mary\u2019s fourth annual West Coast BBQ Classic (WCBC) for the coveted title of West Coast\u2019s “BEST BBQ” and $10,500 in cash prizes.<\/p>\n
Mike Wheeler, founder of Los Angeles-based Jet Coatings Monkey Style, the defending champs from last year\u2019s competition, said it \u201cfeels fantastic\u201d to be returning, but \u201ca little nerve-wracking, as well.\u201d<\/p>\n
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Wheeler said he took a class during the offseason this year with Loot N\u2019 Booty, the 35th Annual American Royal World Series of Barbecue Reserve Champion, and he picked up a few new tips and techniques he will be using this weekend.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe overall competition in BBQ has increased so much that if you\u2019re not changing right now, you\u2019re going to get left behind,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
The WCBC welcomes both barbecue masters and amateur grill enthusiasts to participate. The competition is California state certified and KCBS-Sanctioned and will highlight various grill styles such as slow-cooked Texan and southern Memphis-style barbecue.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe West Coast BBQ Classic has become one of our signature events and truly showcases the best BBQ in the region,\u201d commented Steve Sheldon, The Queen Mary\u2019s Director of Entertainment Events, in a statement. \u201cIt\u2019s great to see some of the BBQ stars return to our competition year after year and also have the opportunity to try some amazing amateur grillers\u2019 meats before they become champions.\u201d<\/p>\n
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Attendees will have an opportunity to vote for their favorite BBQ team to win the People\u2019s Choice Award for Best BBQ. Local competitors trying their hand at the grill this year will include Costa Mesa\u2019s Twisted Brisket, Diamond Bar\u2019s Slap Yo\u2019 Daddy BBQ, Riverside\u2019s The Rib Doctor, Vista\u2019s South Coast BBQ, Menifee\u2019s Rooftop BBQ and Long Beach\u2019s own Triple T\u2019s.<\/p>\n
Ty Wagner, founder and owner of Triple T\u2019s Tri-Tip Rub, is competing for the People\u2019s Choice Award and looking forward to introducing foodies in his hometown to the barbecue staple he\u2019s been perfecting for the last five years.<\/p>\n
He said it was received well at last year\u2019s competition. This year, he ultimately hopes to gain enough exposure to put the product into stores. Wagner said that at other events, his tent was placed away from the main competitions or didn\u2019t have a People\u2019s Choice Award.<\/p>\n
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\u201cThe Long Beach competition, from what I saw last year, there’s no bad spots, it’s all kind of equal,\u201d he said. \u201cSo I want to see how we do when we’re placed fairly next to the other teams. That’s what I’m looking forward to, that and having it in my own hometown, too.\u201d<\/p>\n
As far as his favorite meat to barbecue, the obvious answer was tri-tip.<\/p>\n
\u201cI make the best tri-tip you’ve ever had in your life,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
BBQ tastings for $2 each, live music from River Road and Pawnshop Kings, backyard games, the BBQ merchant market and an awards ceremony for the victors will offer barbecue fanatics and foodies plenty to drool over. Children are invited to take part in Kids Country, featuring inflatables, children\u2019s activities and more.<\/p>\n
Sheldon said WCBC has grown from attracting 30 competitors and about 3,000 attendees in its first year to doubling the number of competitors as well as attendees for last year\u2019s event. This year he expects the turnout to be even bigger.<\/p>\n
As far as having the only waterfront events park in Southern California, Sheldon said, \u201cWe know Long Beach loves its food events and I think its definitely found a niche.\u201d<\/p>\n
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\u201cThe eating competition really stood out to me,” he said. “I happened to be on the stage last year for the cobbler eating competition and the group that we had just was a really unique dynamic. And the guy who ended up winning had a beard and I just remember cobbler streaming down his beard, all over his face, it was hilarious.\u201d<\/p>\n
The West Coast BBQ Classic will take place from 11:00AM to 6:00PM on Saturday, May 9. General admission tickets are available in advance online starting at $15 for adults and $5 for children ages 4-11. VIP tickets are available beginning at $30 online and include one-hour early access (10:00AM) to the festival. All event tickets include access to the majestic Queen Mary ship. Event parking is $13.<\/p>\n