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Welcome to the Georgia Barbecue Association

The Georgia Barbecue Association (GBA) has established itself as the second largest barbecue competition sanctioning organization in the state of Georgia. The GBA was conceived by a handful of individuals who thought it was time to let the rest of the nation know that the best barbecue comes from Georgia. The Georgia Barbecue Association sanctions dozens of contests every year and has grown to over 600 members, 400+ certified judges, more than 180 competition cook teams. We invite you to join us and become a part of the GBA Family.

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Smokin’ on Blackshear BBQ & Balloon Festival 2025-Rescue Smokers takes Grand Championship

Wow—What a Day at Smokin’ on Blackshear! The GBA was proud to be part of the Smokin’ on Blackshear BBQ & Balloon Festival at the stunning Georgia Veterans State Park. This year, we had the unique opportunity to run two contests in one, and what a turnout it was! 24 Pro Teams and 10 IAW (In Association With) Teams brought the …

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GBA-DYFCA Spring Fest at Shorty Howell Park

On Saturday, April 5, 2025, the Georgia Barbecue Association (GBA) proudly participated in the DYFCA Spring Fest at Shorty Howell Park in Duluth. The Duluth Youth Football and Cheer Association (DYFCA) hosted this event to raise funds for scholarships that help kids who might not otherwise be able to afford the chance to play football or cheer. What a fantastic …

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Fire Ant Festival BBQ Bash 2025 – Hold Your Horses takes Grand Championship

The Georgia Barbecue Association was in beautiful Ashburn, Georgia, this weekend for the Annual Fire Ant Festival.  This year’s festival theme—“The Greatest ShowAnt”—set the perfect tone for an unforgettable weekend of food, fun, and fierce BBQ competition! The BBQ Bash featured an impressive $12,500 payout for competitors!   Grand Champion – Hold Your Horses BBQ defended their …

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BACK to BACK Grand Championships for THE LOOK and the COOK BBQ Team with their win at the Firehouse BBQ in Donalsonville, GA

Wow what a weekend! The GBA would like to tip its hat to Tori Gravlee and the Donalsonville DDA for hosting the Firehouse BBQ Festival this past weekend in Donalsonville GA. We had 21 Pro Teams who split over $10,000 in prize money! HUGE THANK YOU to all of the amazing GBA Judges and Reps …

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2024 GBA Judge of the Year, Mrs. Loretta Spradlin

2024 GBA Judge of the year, Loretta Spradlin receiving her award from GBA Chairman Greg Hoyt at the judges meeting at the Dilly Dally in Dooly Contest. Mrs. Spradlin was unable to attend the awards banquet, congrats to her and all Judge of the Year nominees. Our judges are appreciated more than you all know, …

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2025 Tifton Rhythm & Ribs BBQ Grand Champions – “The Look & The Cook BBQ”

The 12th Annual Tifton Rhythm & Ribs BBQ Festival at Fullwood Park in Tifton, GA was nothing short of spectacular—truly a “Party in the Pines”! The weather was perfect, setting the stage for an unforgettable weekend filled with coast-to-coast music, mouthwatering food, incredible craft vendors, a thrilling dog show, engaging cooking demonstrations, a spirited kids’ …

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