MERRIAM, Kan.—Prairie Fresh® is celebrating a historic moment in competitive barbecue as Prairie Fresh Pit Crew standout Heath Riles BBQ captured overall Grand Champion honors at the 2026 Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest, securing a rare back-to-back victory and further establishing Prairie Fresh USA Prime® pork as a proven winner on barbecue’s biggest stages.
With the win on May 16, Heath Riles became the first pitmaster in 42 years to repeat as Grand Champion at Memphis in May, one of barbecue’s most prestigious and demanding competitions. Cooking Prairie Fresh USA Prime backribs, Riles delivered the consistency, precision and championship-level performance required to rise above an elite global field.
Widely regarded as one of the most challenging contests in the world, Memphis in May is considered one of barbecue’s “triple crown” events alongside the American Royal World Series of Barbecue and The Jack Daniel’s World Invitational Barbecue. Today, Prairie Fresh Pit Crew teams hold titles across all three, reinforcing the brand’s position at the highest level of the sport. The Prairie Fresh Pit Crew is a collective of championship pitmasters, rising competitors and brand ambassadors who cook Prairie Fresh pork at the highest levels of competitive barbecue.
“This is a defining moment not only for Heath and his team but for Prairie Fresh as a brand built for performance,” said David Eaheart, senior director of communications and brand marketing for Prairie Fresh. “When you see teams win at Memphis in May, the American Royal and The Jack using Prairie Fresh, it reinforces what pitmasters already know—our product delivers when it matters most. That same consistency and eating experience is exactly what consumers are looking for at retail, and it’s why Prairie Fresh continues to earn its place in the meat case.”
Prairie Fresh’s success in elite competition translates directly to everyday cooking, giving retailers and shoppers confidence in a product trusted by champions. From backyard grilling to holiday meals, Prairie Fresh offers the quality, flavor and reliability that today’s consumers expect, backed by real-world results on barbecue’s biggest stages.
Next-generation talent shines
Momentum extended across the Prairie Fresh Pit Crew, with standout achievements from emerging pitmasters. Bugsy Que, led by 13-year-old Jacey Blurton, earned top honors in the Patio Porkers division, competing against and defeating adult teams while cooking Prairie Fresh USA Prime backribs.
Regarded as a proving ground for future champions, the Patio Porkers division mirrors the core elements of the main contest at a smaller scale while maintaining rigorous judging standards.
In the Junior Contest at Memphis in May, Prairie Fresh further demonstrated its investment in the next generation by providing Prairie Fresh USA Prime pork chops to all competitors. Among the top performers, whom come from competition families and are part of the Prairie Fresh Pit Crew:
- Bernie Tyrna and Cooper Gunter, 360 BBQ 2.0—Junior World Grand Champion; Tyrna’s family operates The Chopping Block stores in the Houston metro, a premium butcher shop featuring Prairie Fresh USA Prime products.
- Dakoda Smith, First Class BBQ 2.0— Junior Pork Chop World Champion; the family owns and operates First Class BBQ in Hempstead, Texas, and are long-time Prairie Fresh customers.
About Prairie Fresh
Prairie Fresh® is an American-owned pork brand delivering high-quality, fresh pork products to grocery retailers and foodservice operators nationwide. Known for consistency, reliability and flavor, Prairie Fresh offers a broad portfolio of conventional fresh pork cuts, along with value-added products including seasoned and marinated fresh pork, ground pork, sausage and bacon, designed to perform at the meat case and on the grill.
Prairie Fresh is dedicated to delivering products that meet the standards of pitmasters, chefs and home cooks alike. Through its Prairie Fresh Pit Crew and partnerships across the barbecue community, the brand continues to elevate the craft and bring championship-quality pork to tables across the country. Backed by a connected food system from farm to plant, Prairie Fresh is marketed and sold by Seaboard Foods. For more information, visit prairiefresh.com.
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