Team Entry
- Teams must complete an official application.
- Entry fees must be paid before the registration deadline.
- Teams must comply with all local fire, health, and safety regulations.
- Each team must designate one Head Cook.
Pine Tree Smoke & Soul Fest
Official BBQ Competition Rules
Longview, Texas
Competition governance
One standard. One Head Judge. Fair competition.
The Pine Tree Smoke & Soul Fest BBQ Competition is conducted under the Official Contest Rules adopted by the festival committee. The Head Judge has final authority regarding rule interpretations and scoring.
Championship categories
Brisket
Pork Ribs
Chicken
Optional categories
- People’s Choice
- Beans
- Dessert
- Dutch Oven
- Jackpot Steak
- Kids Q
- Anything But BBQ
Cooking Rules
- All competition meats must be prepared on-site.
- No pre-cooked meat, sous vide, boiling, or oven finishing.
- Wood, charcoal, or pellets are permitted.
- Gas or electric heat may be used only for starting fires unless otherwise approved.
Meat Inspection
- All meats must be raw and unseasoned at inspection.
- No marinating before inspection.
- No pre-trimming that alters meat quality beyond normal preparation.
- Festival officials may inspect coolers at any time.
Turn-In Boxes
- Approved clamshell containers will be provided.
- No garnish, foreign objects, or identifying marks.
- Chicken: minimum 6 pieces.
- Ribs: minimum 6 individual ribs.
- Brisket: minimum 6 slices.
Judging
- Entries are judged on Appearance, Taste, Tenderness, and Overall Impression.
- Judging is blind; judges will not know team identities.
- Highest cumulative score wins.
- Ties are broken by Taste, then Tenderness, then Appearance.
- All judging decisions are final. No protests regarding taste scores will be accepted.
Fire Safety
- Fire extinguishers are required.
- No open ground fires.
- Propane tanks must meet current safety standards.
- Ashes may be disposed of only in designated containers.
Electricity & Water
- Limited electrical hookups may be available.
- Generators are permitted when equipped with effective mufflers.
- Fresh water stations will be provided.
Site Requirements
- Keep the assigned area clean.
- Remove all trash.
- Dispose of grease properly.
- Leave the site in its original condition.
Conduct
- Unsportsmanlike conduct may result in disqualification.
- Alcohol is permitted only in accordance with Texas law.
- Illegal drugs are prohibited.
- Aggressive behavior toward judges, staff, volunteers, or other teams will not be tolerated.
- Quiet hours are 11:00 PM–7:00 AM. Courtesy toward neighboring teams is expected.
Weather & Media
- The competition is held rain or shine.
- Only dangerous weather conditions may delay or suspend the contest.
- The festival may photograph, film, and use images of participating teams for festival promotional purposes.
Suggested turn-in schedule
11:30 AM
Chicken
12:00 PM
Pork Ribs
12:30 PM
Brisket
People’s Choice follows official turn-ins. The final schedule will be confirmed in the team packet.Awards
- Grand Champion
- Reserve Grand Champion
- 1st Place: Brisket
- 1st Place: Ribs
- 1st Place: Chicken
- Best Sauce
- Best Booth
- Best Team Spirit
- Kids Q Champion
Final authority