The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo commenced its 2026 season with the highly anticipated World's Championship Bar-B-Que Contest, drawing over 250 pitmaster teams from across Texas to NRG Park.

Spanning three days, the event showcased more than 700 barbecue dishes, evaluated by a panel of esteemed judges.

Attendees indulged in a variety of flavors, celebrating the rich culinary traditions of the region.

All Jacked Up emerged as the 2026 Grand Champion Overall, a testament to their exceptional skills and dedication to the craft.

In the brisket category, Victoria County Go Texan secured the championship, followed by Holy Cow Cookers and Bunch of Swines.

The ribs competition saw American Royal Winner - Wag's Backwoods BBQ take the top spot, with Colorado County Go Texan and The Stockyard Saloon placing second and third, respectively.

For chicken, Jack Daniels Winner - Kings BBQ claimed the championship, while Be Somebody Cooking Team and Roughriders BBQ rounded out the top three.

The Go Texan Grand Champion title was awarded to Hardin County Go Texan, with Matagorda County Go Texan as the Reserve Champion.

In the Dutch Oven Dessert category, Cattle Cookers took first place, followed by Dusty Que and Maddog BBQ.

The Open Contest champion was Calhoun County Go Texan, with L.P.O.A. Road Kill Café and Dusty Bones Cookers securing second and third places.

In the Jr. Cook-off, David Causey of Pressure Cookers emerged victorious, with Raelyn Eleesa Barker of Pitmaker - BBQ Addiction and Peyton Lewis of Texas Social Club following closely.

Specialty awards included Holy Cow Cookers for Best Façade, Limestone County Cookers for Best Overall Theme, and BOHICA BBQ Cooking Team for Best Skit.

The Impact Award was presented to 300 Justice Road, recognizing their significant contributions.

The WCBBQ Games winner was Half Fast Cookers, with Brisket Cases taking second place.

This year's contest not only highlighted the culinary prowess of its participants but also set the stage for the upcoming rodeo festivities.

The annual parade, a cherished tradition since 1938, rolled through downtown Houston on Saturday, featuring decorative floats, marching bands, and trail riders.

U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer Scott Ruskan, renowned for his heroic rescues during the Independence Day flash floods in the Texas Hill Country, served as the grand marshal, embodying the spirit of service and community.

The 2026 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is scheduled to run from March 2 to March 22, promising a lineup of events that celebrate Western heritage and culture.

Notably, this year's schedule includes an additional day dedicated solely to a concert performance on March 22, marking the first time since 2022 that the rodeo spans 21 days.

Attendees can look forward to a variety of attractions, including the Champion Wine Garden, The Hideout, and the Drone Light Show & Fireworks, ensuring a memorable experience for all.

As the city embraces the rodeo season, the success of the Bar-B-Que Contest sets a promising tone for the events to come, uniting Houstonians and visitors in a shared appreciation for tradition, community, and, of course, exceptional barbecue.