Competing in the BBQ World Championship is a dream for many. For the Just Wing It Barbecue Team, this dream is a reality. They'll be competing for the championship on October 11th and 12th. Pelletwinkel not only looks cool in photos with our kamado, but they'll also be using our Marabu during the competitions. On behalf of Bestcharcoal, we wish you the best of luck in America!

Moorsleden natives Yngwie Leenknegt and Ruben Dejaeghere, José Seynaeve from Lombardsijde, and Sam Timmermans from Tielt will compete in the World Barbecue Championships in the United States on October 11th and 12th. The Just Wing It Barbecue Team has only been around for three years, but the friends have already won a major competition in the Netherlands. Thanks to that victory, the team now faces the biggest challenge in barbecue. "We're competing with people with a lot of experience."

Three years ago, the Just Wing It Barbecue Team was formed during a barbecue initiation. "Yngwie (33) and I have been best friends for over twenty years. About four years ago, we were looking for a new hobby. As true bon vivants, we thoroughly enjoy a good barbecue, among other things," says Ruben (35). The friends decided to expand their knowledge during an initiation and met other barbecue enthusiasts like José (50) and Sam (41).

Meat is central
In 2022, the foursome decided to take on a barbecue competition in Lommel. "The KCBS competitions we participate in aren't comparable to the championship recently held in Torhout. There, the focus was on the culinary side, and they prepared many other delicious dishes besides the meat. Our competitions are all about the meat. A jury assesses the doneness and flavor, and also awards points based on the meat's appearance," explains team captain Yngwie.

The Just Wing It Barbecue Team's first competition wasn't a success. The friends finished near the bottom of the leaderboard. "But we had a lot of fun. It left us wanting more."

Specialty
In recent years, Yngwie, Ruben, José, and Sam have gained additional experience. "Everyone has their own specialty. One person makes the chicken, another the ribs. We're also asked to serve the judges a few pieces of beef brisket and pork."

At the barbecue competition, it's crucial that the timing is spot on. "We have to bring in our meat at a set time. For example, we take into account the distance between our barbecue and the judges' table."

Gewonnen in Nederland
After getting a taste of the competition in Lommel, the barbecue team continued to improve. In June, the four friends won an important competition in the Netherlands. This victory earned them a chance to compete in the World Championships in Tennessee, United States. "All teams that win a competition are entered into a drawing. Each country can send a maximum of one team to the World Championships," Sam explains. On August 1st, the barbecue team could celebrate: a spot in the World Championships was a reality. "Every barbecuer's wet dream," says José.

Jack Daniels
On October 11th and 12th, the West Flemish team will be one of 82 competitors in the World Championship. The competition will take place on the grounds of the Jack Daniel's distillery, a venue that will make barbecue enthusiasts' mouths water. "We're leaving a few days before the start of the competition. To enjoy ourselves even more, but also to get our meat from a local supplier."

The friends are entering the championship with healthy excitement. "We're up there with really experienced people who have all won a competition. We probably won't win the grand prize, $25,000, but we're going to give it our all. We also want to fully enjoy the opportunity we now have and we'll keep our eyes peeled."