Teams are now Full!
Check out the teams for 2026!
Welcome to the Smokin Country Jam BBQ Competition, where the best pitmasters from across the country come to showcase their skills! Do you have what it takes to compete for the title and the cash prize? Join us for an unforgettable experience filled with mouthwatering BBQ, great music, and fun. Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or just starting out, we’d love to see what you can bring to the grill!
IT'S BBQ
Where live Tunes Meet Mouthwatering BBQ!
Who Will Be The Champion?
Congratulations, 2026 Winner!!
🔥 BACK-TO-BACK CHAMPIONS 🔥
Some stories just come full circle… and this year at Smokin’ Country Jam, history was made once again.
Our 2026 BBQ Competition champions are no strangers to the SCJ stage. In fact, they hold a title nobody can ever take away — they were the VERY FIRST Smokin’ Country Jam BBQ Competition winners. And now, they’ve returned to take home the gold once again.
That kind of legacy doesn’t happen by accident.
Built on generations of tradition, passion, and hard-earned skill, their story starts long before competition trophies and championship brisket. It began in the 1940s with Uncle Joe Zsadanyi, a World War II Army sharpshooter who returned home to Hialeah, Florida, and created the original red sauce recipe that would become a family treasure. A recipe passed down only through family, carrying decades of memories, backyard cookouts, and unforgettable ribs.
Years later, that same spirit of authentic barbecue excellence fueled a new journey.
In 2008, after ditching gas grills and diving headfirst into charcoal cooking, the fire was lit — literally. What started with learning fire control and slow smoking quickly turned into a passion for competition BBQ. By 2013, that passion paid off with first-place wins in pork shoulder and overall backyard cook team honors. From there, the competition trail only got hotter, earning top brisket finishes across Florida and eventually a Grand Champion title at Deerfield Beach Pigout.
And now… another chapter gets added to the story.
Returning to Smokin’ Country Jam and reclaiming the championship after being our very first winners is something special. It speaks to consistency, dedication, family tradition, and true barbecue craftsmanship.
From backyard smoke to championship glory — they’ve been part of SCJ history since day one, and now they’ve etched their name into it once again.
Congratulations to our 2026 Smokin’ Country Jam BBQ Competition Champions! 🏆🔥
WHERE TO SLEEP
Whether you're looking for a spacious cabin rental, a more primitive camping experience, or full RV hook-ups, we have the perfect accommodations for you. Our cozy cabins offer all the comforts of home, while our primitive campsites provide a more rustic experience. Plus, our RV sites offer all the amenities you need to enjoy your stay with us. No matter your preference, the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park & Campground has everything you need for a memorable stay.
WHERE TO EAT
At Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park & Campground, we offer a unique dining experience at our iconic Music Hall. Our full-service restaurant and bar are not only a perfect spot for great food, but also a lively social gathering that never fails to entertain. We offer great menu options and live music every weekend, bringing together the best of both worlds for a memorable evening with friends and family.
EVENT INFO
At Smokin Country Jam, we blend the best of BBQ flavors with the sounds of live country music in a festive atmosphere. Join us at our café, where you'll find delicious food served with a side of entertainment every week. Plus, for those looking to extend their experience, our private cabin rentals offer the perfect getaway amidst the festivities.
SMOKIN COUNTRY JAM WILL BE COOKIN UP SOME HOT COUNTRY TUNES IN 2025!!
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