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Final Table: Bentonville - Meet Shawn Williams, World Barbecue Champion

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Posted Mar 10, 2025
Final Table: Bentonville - Meet Shawn Williams, World Barbecue Champion

Name: Shawn Williams
2024 World Barbecue Champion

Hometown: Butler, Alabama
Currently Resides: Butler, Alabama

Designation: Competition Team

Q: Tell us about your culinary journey. Who or what inspired you to cook?
A: My grandmother and mother taught me how to cook basic Southern meals growing up. Watching my grandfather cook bbq at an earlier age (played a big role). Later in life competing with my best friend/high school buddy in a local bbq contest were what has inspired me on this journey.

Q: How long have you been cooking?
A: 10 years in Competition BBQ

Q: How many times have you competed at WFC?
A: First time

Q: What categories have you competed in at WFC?
A: Barbecue

Q: What motivated you to get into Food Sport?
A: A different cooking style/organization versus the normal KCBS contest. The creative aspect is the biggest draw in WFC.

Q: How would you describe your experience in Indianapolis at WFC 2024 and being named a Champion?
A: It was a surreal experience that exceeded my expectations as we were just hoping to make the second day of competition; winning the final day of competition was amazing!

Q: What is your favorite WFC memory/experience as a competitor?
A: Having compliments about my dish and taking pictures with Famous Dave Anderson. The biggest memory was hearing my name called as the BBQ Champion

Q: What would a Final Table victory mean to you? Any ideas on how you would spend/invest your winnings?
A: Winning the final table as a backyard bbq cook with the caliber of chefs in this contest would be the ultimate honor. The winnings would be spent on a food trailer to do catering events and special events.

Q: Any advice for folks considering entering the WFC Kitchen Arena in the future?
A: No matter what background you have or your current status, anyone can prepare amazing dishes that can make you a champion at WFC.

Q: Tell us an interesting fact that few people know about you:
A: I used to race go-karts, run marathons, and now I run to make BBQ turn ins.


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