Showtime's Legit BBQ takes home top honors at Got to Be NC Whole Hog Cookoff
FLETCHER — The smoke has cleared and a champion has been named at the 2026 Got to Be NC Whole Hog Cookoff at the N.C. Mountain State Fair. Showtime’s Legit BBQ of Benson, captained by Kevin Peterson, took home first place and the $2,000 grand prize, earning bragging rights as this year’s champion.
Grate Sauces & Rubs of Goldsboro, captained by Ralph LeGrand, finished second, earning $1,500, while Killing Time Grilling Crew of Clinton, captained by Tim Walters, took third place and $1,000.
For Peterson, the cookoff was about more than taking home the top prize. “It’s a beautiful atmosphere for this competition here at the Mountain State Fair and to be allowed to be part of this competition that gives back to the local FFA is just awesome,” said Peterson. “I do want to give a special shout out to the sponsors, judges and event coordinators who worked so hard. Without them, this wouldn’t be possible.”
The Got to Be NC Whole Hog Cookoff celebrates a North Carolina tradition while connecting the people who raise the hogs, the pitmasters who cook them and the communities that support agriculture.
The barbecue prepared during the competition will continue giving back after the last coals have cooled. Meat from the cookoff was donated to the Pisgah and Tuscola high school FFA chapters, which will sell it to raise money to help send FFA students to the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis this October.
Barbecue will be available for $12 per pound or $100 for 10 pounds Monday, Sept. 14, from 5 to 7 p.m., or until sold out. Orders can be picked up at Ben’s Backdraft Barbecue, 3028 Jonathan Creek Road in Waynesville. Preorders are also available online.
“At Champion Credit Union, supporting the communities we serve has been at the heart of what we do for more than 94 years,” said Tina Lance, market executive at Champion Credit Union. “We’re proud to be a sponsor of the Got to Be NC Whole Hog Barbecue Cookoff, a competition that celebrates North Carolina barbecue, agriculture and community. This event also supports the students of Pisgah and Tuscola FFA, giving them valuable hands-on experiences and opportunities to learn, grow and prepare for their futures.”
The Got to Be NC Whole Hog Cookoff was made possible with support from Bone Suckin’ Sauce, Champion Credit Union and the N.C. Soybean Producers Association, along with partners Looper Family Farms and Apple Brandy Prime Cuts.
From North Carolina hog farmers to the pitmasters tending the fire to FFA members preparing to become the next generation of agricultural leaders, the cookoff brings North Carolina agriculture full circle.
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