We're excited to see the field of competitors who have already won their golden ticket and registered to compete at the 2024 World Food Championships. And we are always proud to announce our special guests and celebrity judges participating in our judging events across the nation - we're sure the championship food certainly helps! Best of luck to our 2024 competitors!
COMPETITOR
Victory Lane BBQ
HEAD COOK: Heath Riles
COMPETITION: World Barbecue Championship
Heath Riles is an industry leading expert in grilling and competition BBQ. Combining a mix of professional leadership, business strategy and out right determination, he has become one of the top, self-taught Pitmasters on the BBQ circuit today. As Pitmaster for Victory Lane BBQ, since 2013, Heath has won over 45 Grand Championship Awards, along with Memphis BBQ Network 2013 Hog Team of the Year, 2014 & 2015 Hog, Shoulder and Rib Team of the Year and the Overall Team of the Year in 2014 & 2015. He was also a 2014 World Food Championship BBQ Finalist and currently has over 300 top 5 category finishes. Heath has also made appearances on Food Network, Travel Channel and Destination America. He also offers his complete line of BBQ rubs, sauces and injections for sale on the market. In December of 2013, Heath was chosen to star in a nationwide, BBQ themed, commercial with Bank of America promoting their cash back credit card. Heath also took home top honors at the 2015 & 2016 National BBQ Awards of Excellence Competition winning 24 places in eight categories for his sauces and rubs. Heath also set another bbq record by winning Grand Champion at Southaven Springfest in both MBN & KCBS contest on the same day at the dual event!! In spring of 2016 Heath received 4 perfect 180 scores, one in each category, in just two back to back kcbs contest!! Most importantly, Heath provides education and tools to help others grow their BBQ dream.