BELLE GLADE — The shores of Lake Okeechobee came alive Saturday March 22, 2025 as over 6,000 people gathered for the 2025 Torry Island BBQ Showdown, a celebration of culture, competition, and community on the breathtaking backdrop of Torry Island in Belle Glade, Florida.

This year’s event brought a full day of high-energy attractions and entertainment, including a nationally sanctioned Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS) BBQ competition, an American Cornhole League (ACL) National Cornhole Tournament, a thrilling Airboat Show, and the crowd-favorite Agricultural Olympics, which showcased the skills and talents of local youth. A variety of food and merchandise vendors offered something for everyone, while live music rocked the island from morning to night.

The entertainment lineup featured the Island vibes of One Love Reggae Band, the Southern charm of Scoot Teasley, and culminated with a crowd-roaring performance by country music star Joe Nichols, whose presence lit up the evening with chart-topping hits and heartfelt moments.

But beyond the fun and festivities, this year’s Showdown delivered a powerful impact for the community. Thanks to the tremendous support from attendees, sponsors, and volunteers, the event raised $18,000 in scholarships for youth participants in the Agricultural Olympics and an additional $35,000 toward the creation of a Veterans Memorial in the City of Belle Glade, as well as over $10,000 for local Glades Charities.

The Torry Island BBQ Showdown Committee extends heartfelt gratitude to our presenting sponsors — the H.E. Hill Foundation, Pioneer Growers, the City of Belle Glade, and U.S. Sugar — as well as to our more than 60 generous sponsors and the countless volunteers who made the event possible.

The committee would also like to give a special thanks to the staff and students of Project LIFT, whose creativity and craftsmanship brought our event trophies to life. These unique awards were forged from local railroad spikes generously donated by U.S. Sugar, adding a meaningful touch that reflects the spirit and heritage of our community.

“This is more than a BBQ festival,” said Event Director Jennifer Earnest. “It’s a true celebration of the Glades — its people, its beauty, and its potential. Every plate of food, every song, every scholarship — it all comes from a place of love and pride for our community.”

Plans are already underway for next year’s event, as the Torry Island BBQ Showdown continues to grow into one of the premier cultural and philanthropic festivals in South Florida.

Congratulations to this year’s winners.

BBQ Showdown winners are as follows:

Professional Division
Grand Champion: Sloppy Hogs BBQ, we’re glad to say we will always be remembered by them as our comp was their first GC win!
Reserve Grand Champion: Good Googly Goo
3rd: When Pigs Die
4th: Rum Runners BBQ
5th: Iowa Smokey D’s BBQ

Backyard Division:
Grand Champion: 2 Guys Grilling
Reserve Grand Champion: Pompano Pit Kings
3rd: Sweet Sugar Swine Sponsored by U S Sugar
4th: Smoke Showing Backyard BBQ
5th: Jessi James Smoking Guns BBQ Team

Sauce Division:
1st: Playa Famous BBQ
2nd: Cane Country
3rd: Rum Runners BBQ

Mystery Meat Division:
1st: Walker’s Country Boy BBQ
2nd: 2 Guys Grilling
3rd: Slab Boys BBQ

People’s Choice Division:
1st: Pompano Pit Kings

2nd: BBQ Ribs on Wheels and More
3rd: Jessi James Smoking Guns BBQ Team

Airboats:

Beater Boat: Jimmy Kemp, Brett Usher and Anthony Paul.

Hunt Boat: Kirk Kenndy, Charley Phillips and Jimmy Tripp.

Car Motor: Kirk Kennedy, Marty Howard and Randy Burgen.

4 Cylinder: Chris Haggerty, Tabitha Langford and Andrew Bernett.

6 Cylinder: Harold Otto, Kolton Rhodes and Jacob Carter.

Best In Show: Kirk Kennedy

Haybale Decorating Contest:
• Student Aces - Pig & Pot
• The Shepherd School Middle School Art Class - BBQ Grill
• Glades Day School FFA - Camper Camp Site

Cornhole:

Professional Division: Jordan Camba & Kyle Malone, Lonnie Campos & Chad Fishes, Mason Gundry & Austin Harrelson.

Backyard Division: Just Board It, Baggers 2, and Anderson.

Ag Olympics:

Elementary:

• Cowgirls - Layla Brown & Destiny Brown

• Purple Warriors - Jada Joseph & Caiden Mann

• Pretty Girls - Andria Calixte & Cheyenne Trevino

• Bama Bears - Keneth Bain & Jason Bain

• Extreme Machines - Lincoln Garcia & Kendall Usher

• Best Boys - Romeo Trevino & Mason Smith

Middle School:

• Gods Cartel - Santos Rodriguez & Jayden Joseph

• R&A - Ruben Garcia & Angel Carrizales

• The Burrito Bandits - Carlos Muniz & John Perez

High School:

• Dynamic Duo - Diana Chaparro & Janelle Rodriguez

• Cream Team - Thomas Grosso & Josh Mularchyk

• Hawks - Garrett Rimes & Luke Vento

• Black Panthers - Sebastian Depaz & Javier Martinez

• Brew & Moo - Julissa Rodriguez & Jose Sanchez

• Muck Babies - William Perez & Abigail Rodriguez

• Corn Conquerors - Sherlyn Lopez & Eduardo Roman

• Turnip Twins - Mayah Williams & Gizelle Cisneros

• The Baconaters - Zyion Teran & Mattie Brown

Photos by Greg Baltazar Photography