We're excited to see the field of competitors who have already won their golden ticket and registered to compete at the 2025 World Food Championships. And we are always proud to announce our special guests and celebrity judges participating in our judging events across the nation - we're sure the championship food certainly helps! Best of luck to our 2025 competitors!
COMPETITOR
Rack City BBQ
HEAD COOK: Kurt Brauner
COMPETITION: World Barbecue Championship
I began my barbecue journey in the backyard, grilling country-style ribs for friends and family at gatherings. In 2009, I launched my first competition team, Smokin’ Envy BBQ, and quickly caught the competition bug after winning the hamburger category at Smokin’ in Mesquite during the inaugural episode of BBQ Pitmasters in the Backyard division. Along the way, I was fortunate to be mentored by World Champion Brent Walton of QN4U, which helped refine my skills and passion for barbecue. I later opened a BBQ catering business at Windrock Ranch in Pahrump, Nevada, and competed on the KCBS Pro Circuit from 2009 to 2014. After taking a break from competition from 2014 to 2020 to focus on family and the birth of my daughter Mia, I returned to the competition scene in 2021. I revived Smokin’ Envy BBQ before rebranding to Rack City BBQ in 2022. Since then, my team has earned numerous awards and calls in KCBS events from 2022 through 2025, including being named 2024 Nevada BBQ Association Team of the Year.
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