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
Sweet Smoke Q
HEAD COOK: Jim Elser
COMPETITION: Bolner's Fiesta Seasonings & Compart Duroq
Jim Elser, of Sweet Smoke Q, is one of the hottest names on the championship BBQ circuit. This small farm-town guy who competes full time and runs Sweet Smoke Q LLC is now being recognized around the world due to his recent BBQ competition success. Jim’s originally from a small farm town in Ohio, but now resides in Lakeland, FL. His accomplishments have also drawn attention to his line of specialty consumer products as well as his BBQ classes where the secrets of this Pitmaster are shared with cooks of all levels. Jim is the 2014 BBQ World Food Champion, 2014 and 2016 Florida BBQ Association Team of the Year, 2018, 2015 and 2013 Florida BBQ Association Team of the Year runner‐up. In just the past five years he has also won some other impressive titles including: 29 Grand Champions, 28 Reserve Grand Champions, and multiple top five overalls.