Bigger Than BBQ Award
In Remembrance of Ercole Chila
Presented annually at the Smoke on the Rail BBQ Festival, the Bigger Than BBQ Award recognizes an individual within the BBQ community whose impact reaches far beyond competition results, trophies, or titles.
Created through a partnership between Smoke on the Rail and Eden Tool, this award honors those who embody generosity, mentorship, friendship, service, compassion, and dedication to the BBQ family.
The recipient is someone whose purpose burns brighter than trophies and titles — someone who feeds more than mouths and lifts more than lids. Because what they do, and who they are, is truly…
Bigger Than BBQ
Nominations Now Open — Bigger Than BBQ Award
This annual award recognizes an individual within the BBQ community whose impact reaches far beyond competition success — someone who leads with generosity, mentorship, friendship, and service.
We are seeking nominations for pitmasters, judges, organizers, KCBS representatives, volunteers, and BBQ community members who truly embody what it means to be Bigger Than BBQ.
The 2026 recipient will be announced during the Saturday awards ceremony at Smoke on the Rail BBQ Festival on July 25, 2026.
Because BBQ is about more than food. It’s about people.
Nomination Period: May 15, 2026 - June 8, 2026
Anyone within the BBQ community may submit a nomination.
Eligible Nominees
The award is open to individuals involved in the BBQ community, including but not limited to:
• Pitmasters & competition teams
• Certified judges
• Contest organizers
• KCBS representatives
• Volunteers
• Industry supporters & ambassadors
Nominees should demonstrate:
• Outstanding character and integrity
• Support of fellow competitors and the BBQ community
• Service beyond the competition circuit
• Mentorship and encouragement of others
• Positive impact on individuals, events, or charitable causes
Finalist Selection
A committee will select six finalists, based on:
• Community impact
• Character
• Consistency of involvement
• Contributions beyond competition success
• Overall embodiment of the award mission
Finalist Voting Process
Voting Period: June 15 – July 15, 2026
The six finalists will be publicly announced on:
• Festival social media pages
• Festival website
• Partner pages and BBQ media outlets