Smoke, brisket, and community spirit
The smoke has cleared, the grills have cooled, and another unforgettable Hub City BBQ Cookoff is in the books! On Thursday, October 2nd, the 26th Annual Hub City BBQ Cookoff took over the Panhandle South Plains Fairgrounds, and as always, it was one of the biggest fall parties in Lubbock.
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Presented by West Texas Land Guys and supported by United Supermarkets, the event brought together nearly 100 cooking teams and thousands of hungry Red Raiders, families, and BBQ fans ready to celebrate. The smell of brisket and ribs carried across the fairgrounds, reminding everyone why this tradition has lasted more than two decades.
Music that hit just right
Of course, it wasn’t just about the food. The music helped set the tone, and the crowd loved it. SAL & The Stonewall Hippies kicked things off at 5 p.m., filling the air with originals and country favorites that had toes tapping. Then at 6:30, The Spur 327 Band took the stage, delivering that classic country and Panhandle sound Lubbock has always been proud of.
This year, the cookoff tried something new with a brand-new judging system, led by Melody Vinson, a Head Judge with the International Barbeque Cookers Association (IBCA). With her years of experience, Vinson promised fairness, tradition, and a few twists along the way. Brisket, ribs, desserts, Bloody Marys, and more all went under the careful eyes of the judges.
And the Winners Are…
Here’s a look at the teams that rose to the top this year:
BLOODY MARY
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The Outdoor Chef
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Reed Beverage
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West Texas Land Guys #3
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Fast Signs
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United Supermarkets
PORK RIBS
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West Texas Land Guys #1
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Yates Flooring #2
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Realty Refined
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Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages #1
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Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages #2
BRISKET
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Armstrong Plumbing, Air & Electric
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Lubbock Professional Fire Fighters
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West Texas Land Guys – The Pups
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Yates Flooring #2
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LBK Roofing
DESSERT
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Yates Flooring #2
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West Texas Land Guys #2
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Overhead Door #3
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Arbor Metals
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Firetrol Protection Systems
COOK’S CHOICE
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Great Plains Distributors
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LBK Roofing
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Rise Energy
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Lamar Advertising
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Yates Flooring #1
More than just BBQ
At the heart of it all, the cookoff was more than just a competition—it was about community. As Sidney Hopper from United Supermarkets put it:
Barbecue has a way of gathering folks around the table, and this cookoff does the same for Lubbock—bringing people together in celebration, camaraderie, and fun.…