Montana Pitmaster Classic Info
Master Series Contest
A Master Series requires teams to cook 4 types of meat (Chicken, Pork Ribs, Pork Butt, & Brisket). The cooking source at a Master Series shall be of wood, wood pellets or charcoal. KCBS Rules and regulations apply. Master Series are eligible for American Royal and Jack Daniels World Championship, upon meeting qualifying criteria. In addition, all teams who participate in a Master Series earn points towards the KCBS Team of the Year awards presented at our annual banquet.
Judging
KCBS representation will be monitoring the judging process. Meats will be turned in using the containers given to the contestants at the Cooks Meeting on Friday afternoon at 2:00 pm in Pitmaster Judges Tent.
Prize Breakdown:
Per Category: 1st - $750; 2ND - $500; 3RD - $250; 4TH - $150; 5TH - $100; 6TH – 10TH - $50 (EACH)
Overall Awards: 3RD - $750; 4TH - $500; 5TH - $250; 6TH – 10TH - $100 (EACH)
Reserve Champion: $1,000
Grand Champion: $2,000
Prize Categories: Chicken, Pork Ribs, Pork & Brisket
Meat Specifications (Meat will be inspected upon arrival at the event):
The meats do not have to be in the original packaging & may be trimmed prior to meat inspection, but no meat may be seasoned, injected or cooked, prior to the inspection.
Chicken: Chicken includes Wild or Farm-raised Chicken, Cornish Game Hen & Kosher Chicken. The Chicken may be whole or in parts.
Pork Ribs: Ribs may be spare ribs; St Louis cut pork ribs or baby back ribs. The Ribs must include the bone. Country Style ribs are prohibited.
Pork: Pork is defined at Boston Butt, Boston Roast, Picnic and/or Whole Shoulder, weighing a minimum of four (4) pounds at the time of inspection. No Pork Loin, Pork tenderloin, Pork Chop or other types of pork roast is permitted. You should look at the label to try to determine the cut of meat. If there is not a label on the meat, (and it is not required) inquire of the cook about the cut. KCBS only accepts the National Pork Board definitions as to the description of Boston Butt, Picnic and/or whole shoulder. Should you or the cook team have questions, please refer to the Contest Rep for further clarification. You may also suggest the cook check out the National Pork Board’s definitions for Boston Butt (406 bone-in or boneless); Picnic (405 bone-in or boneless); and whole shoulder (403).
Brisket: Brisket may only be beef brisket. It may be whole (packer trimmed), flat or point. No other beef product may be substituted for the Brisket. Corned beef is not allowed.
KNOW YOUR TURN-IN TIMES
Turn in the process requires you to be on time, to the second. Late turn in's will be disqualified
Saturday 11:55 A.M.—12:05 PM
The chicken category is turned in and judging begins
Saturday 12:25 PM—12:35 PM
Pork Rib category is turned in and judging begins
Saturday 12:55 PM—1:05 PM
Pork category is turned in and judging begins
Saturday 1:25 PM—1:35 PM
Brisket category is turned in and judging begins
Saturday 4:30 PM
Awards ceremony located in the Pitmaster Awards Tent
'Que for a Cause
(Friday, August 23th from 5pm – 8pm)
'Que for a Cause is a special community event showcasing the teams of the Montana Pitmaster Classic. Teams can provide a menu of any food items or products they wish to sell during the 'Que for a Cause. In accordance with KCBS, the public will turn in cash for BBQ Chips — $1.00 = 1 BBQ Chip. BBQ Chips will be available to the public 1-2 weeks prior to the contest and on-site Friday. Participating teams will receive a check for 70% of their BBQ Chip Sales no later than 7-10 days after the contest, with the remaining 30% going to the Gallatin Valley Y.M.C.A which will be a tax-deductible donation for your team. Teams must turn-in their BBQ Chips Saturday Morning, 8:30 am - 9:30 am to Pitmaster event staff.
Download the Temporary Food License Application
Pitmaster Classic Booth Information
Select Your Booth Size:
Let us know how large of a booth space you will need to accommodate your trailer, smoker, and cook/prep area. All vehicles and equipment must remain in assigned booth space. You may NOT exceed your booth space.
- 20’ x 20’ = $300
- 20’ x 30’ = $325
- 20’ x 40’ = $350
- 20’ x 50’ = $375
- 20’ x 60’ = $400
- Other Sizes = Please Contact Our Team
Still Have Questions
If you still have questions or concerns about the Pitmaster Classic rules, please fill out this contact form and we will connect with you.