Brisket

Competition Registration

The Brisket Cook-Off is the crown jewel of BBQ competition, where pitmasters put their skills to the test on Texas’ most legendary cut of meat. Competitors will showcase their mastery of smoke, seasoning, and patience as they transform a simple brisket into a tender, flavorful work of art. Judging will be based on appearance, tenderness, and taste, with each bite reflecting hours of dedication over the pit. This is the ultimate showdown for bragging rights—and the chance to be named the "best" brisket champion of Fannin County. 

The Brisket competition will be judged from a single box presentation with enough meat for up to five (5) judges to be able to sample and score the entry.   Competitors may "bring prepared" or "prepare onsite" to submit their box for judging.  It is not required to prepare your entry on site to compete.  The brisket competition requires the completion of the required entry form and payment of the entry $100 entry fee prior to day of the Picnic.  Registration of entries will not be taken on the day of the Picnic, September 13th.  Competitors in the brisket category will be able to pick up their judging box in advance if they wish on Tuesday through Thursday, September 9th through 11th or the morning of the Picnic.

Prizes

"Best" Brisket Champion will receive a check in the amount of 40% of Brisket Category Entry Fees & Medal/Trophy

"Best" Brisket Reserve Champion will receive a check in the amount of 30% of Brisket Category Entry Fees & Medal/Trophy

Judging

The judging for the Brisket category will be performed by a panel of up to five (5) select judges.

The Brisket category entries will be judged according to the following criteria:

 Appearance (0–10 points)

• Visual appeal: Does it look appetizing and well-prepared?

• Smoke ring: Is there a nice pink ring from proper smoking?

• Slice presentation: Are the slices neat and uniform?

• Juiciness: Does it look moist, not dry?

Tenderness/Texture (0–10 points)

• Proper doneness: Tender but not mushy or tough.

• Mouthfeel: Does it “melt in your mouth” without falling apart?

• Bite test: Should come apart cleanly with a bite, not shred or crumble.

Flavor (0–20 points)

• Overall taste: Balanced seasoning, not overpowered by spice, sauce, or smoke.

• Smoke profile: Clean, pleasant smoky flavor without bitterness.

• Bark: Good crust with seasoning and flavor without being burnt.

• Aftertaste: Does the flavor linger pleasantly?

Check-In / Turn-In for entries in the Brisket Category will begin at 10:30 AM on September 13th and judging is expected to begin at 11 AM.  Entry boxes will be assigned a number, determined by the competitor's draw at turn-in and all judging will be performed on a "blind" basis by the judging panel in number order.  Winner announcements and awards presentations will be made in the afternoon according to the Picnic schedule.

Note:  This is not a sanctioned cook-off event.