The championship, organized by OHM Concession Group and the Kansas City Barbeque Society, offers far more than a trophy. Competitors are vying for a $33,500 total purse, with the Grand Champion securing a $10,000 prize and an 18-month contract to lead the Made for KC BBQ Experience at the airport terminal starting March 1, 2027. This partnership allows the winning team to feature their specific recipes, rubs, and sauces to a global audience of travelers.

For the host site, the event marks a significant moment during its 170th anniversary year. Patrick Fee, Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Holladay Distillery, noted that the distillery’s heritage provides a natural setting for celebrating regional craftsmanship. The winning team will follow in the footsteps of the 2024 Grand Champion, Meat Rushmore BBQ of Lee's Summit, which previously leveraged the win to transition from the competition circuit into the airport’s featured culinary residency.