If you have the dream of competing in barbecue cooking competitions and showcase your cooking skills for all to see, then the first step is joining a barbecue association. So here are the top 7 in the country.

Memphis Barbeque Network (MBN)

This is a network of active barbecue competitions formerly under the Memphis Barbeque Association (MBA). It was founded in 2007 when MBA decided to focus mainly on Memphis in May.

National Barbeque Association

This is a trade association that sees to the needs of restaurants and caterers.

North Carolina Barbeque Society

This barbecue society aims at giving information to tourists about famous barbecue joints in North Carolina.

Central Texas Barbeque Association

Central Texas is home to the famous brisket restaurants in the world. Naturally, this association judges barbecue events that specialize in brisket. It also judges taste, ribs, chicken, chile, and beans.

International Barbeque Cookers Association (IBCA)

The IBCA sanctions about 130 competitions in nine states. Its largest event, Traders Village holding in Grand Prairie, Texas, attracts over 100 barbecue teams. They judge beef brisket, pinto beans, chicken halves, and pork spareribs.

Kansas City Barbeque Society

This is the largest and most important barbecue society in the world. It sanctions competitions with categories for pork shoulder, pork ribs, beef brisket, and chicken. The society’s flagship event is The American Royal Open in Kansas City.

Memphis Barbecue Association

This association’s main annual event is the Memphis in May event. It is popularly billed as the “World’s Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest” and one of the biggest and most popular in the world.

There are dozens of other barbecue associations, but these are more popular and are better organized to set you on the right track to becoming the Grand Champion you so desire.