Giant National barbecue battle takes place in Washington, D.C. (includes video story)

June 22-23 marked the 32nd Annual Giant National Barbecue Battle in Washington, D.C.

This weekend-long event brings together attendees from all over the world for epic entertainment, mouth-watering BBQ sampling, and heated battles among renowned pitmasters.

The very first barbecue battle was held in the RFK Stadium parking lot in August 1993, but it has since moved to historic Pennsylvania Avenue between the White House and the Capitol building. 

It has grown into one of the largest and most unique food and music festivals in the country. Teams from California to Maine compete in multiple contests for the title of Giant National BBQ Champion.

“This is special because you get to see people every single year who come looking for you, and so it’s like a barbecue reunion every year right here in D.C.,” said competing pitmaster Derrick Wood. “And to be sitting right in front of the nation’s capital, what better backdrop for barbecue?”

At the end of the competition, the team Good Googly Goo BBQ took home the title of National Barbecue Champion.

Laura Palfrey is pursuing her Bachelor’s degree in Digital TV and Multimedia Production. With a passion for storytelling and visual media, she aspires to work in television as a news producer upon graduation. Her hobbies include photography and traveling.