2026 BBQHost.com Grill Master Challenge – Put Your Grill Skills to the Test
The 2026 BBQHost.com Grill Master Challenge is a community created BBQ and grilling video challenge. Backyard cooks will share short original videos that teach a grilling recipe, smoking technique, or practical BBQ skill (or maybe are just HILARIOUS!) Fire up your creativity and plan the cook that makes you proud (or makes our team laugh!)
Entries are not yet open. The entry period is September 28–October 31, 2026, closing at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time. Entry instructions will be available when the Challenge opens. No purchase is necessary; eligibility and participation are subject to the Official Rules.
How Does the BBQHost.com Grill Master Challenge Work?
- Choose a dish, technique, or even your favorite BBQHost.com recipe to feature.
- Plan a short original video showing the process, finished food, and at least one useful tip.
- When entries open, follow the entry instructions and submit your video by October 31 at 11:59 p.m. PST.
- Follow the finalist selections, community voting, and winner features throughout November.
What can I win?
- Grill Master Champion: $1,000 in cash, cash-equivalent gift card, sponsor-provided loot, BBQHost.com swag and the Champion’s Badge.
- Second Place: $500 in cash, cash-equivalent gift card, sponsor-provided loot, BBQHost.com swag and the Finalist’s Badge.
- Third Place: $250 in cash, cash-equivalent gift card, sponsor-provided loot, BBQHost.com swag and the Finalist’s Badge.
These $1,750 in guaranteed awards are funded by BBQHost.com. Additional sponsor-provided prizes or products may be announced later, only after a written commitment and inclusion in the Official Rules. No uncommitted sponsor prize is guaranteed.
What makes a strong video?
Keep the camera steady, use good light, make the food easy to see, and explain what you are doing in your own voice. Judges consider usefulness, originality, food appeal, safe practical technique, personality and storytelling. (No telling what the BBQHost.com community will consider when casting their votes!) Expensive equipment is not required.
2026 BBQHost.com Grill Master Challenge schedule
- Entries open: September 28, 2026
- Entries close: October 31, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. PT
- Finalist selection: November 1–8, 2026; up to 10 finalists, subject to enough qualifying entries
- Verified community voting: November 9–20, 2026
- Winner series begins: Black Friday, November 27, 2026
How finalists and voting work
BBQHost will select up to 10 finalists after eligibility, rights, safety, and editorial review. Final scores are 60% BBQHost.com editorial judging and 40% verified community voting. Voting details will be provided before community voting opens.
What happens to my video?
Qualifying submissions may be featured across BBQHost.com and it’s social media and outreach programs under the permissions described in the Official Rules, which entrants should review before submitting.
About BBQHost.com
BBQHost.com helps backyard cooks make better decisions with practical recipes, techniques, equipment guidance, and honest explanations. The Grill Master Challenge brings that hands-on approach to community-created videos.
Sponsor or partner with the BBQHost.com Grill Master Challenge
Cash sponsorship and prize-partner opportunities are available. Explore the event partnerships or propose a product, service, gift card, or cash prize contribution. Sponsorship fees and prize contributions are agreed separately.