A Championship Stage, a Regional Statement
The 2026 Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational Barbecue in Lynchburg, Tennessee, brought 99 teams to one of the sport’s most demanding stages. New England’s contingent made its presence felt, with two teams finishing among the top 11 overall and several more landing standout category scores.
At BBQ News, we could not be prouder of the pitmasters who carried our region’s banner into the heart of barbecue country.
SmellaQue’s Remarkable Run
Janice Smella and SmellaQue captured the Grand Championship with 709.7144 points, topping the 99-team field. SmellaQue finished fifth in chicken, 16th in ribs, 11th in pork and 12th in brisket—a remarkably balanced four-meat performance.
B’s Que earned Reserve Grand Champion with 702.8228 points, nearly seven points back. For Janice, whose championship journey has been fueled by curiosity, family, and precision, it was a career-defining moment.
A Familiar Voice to Wise Guys BBQ Fans
Janice is also part of the Wise Guys BBQ podcast family. Our conversation with the Canadian pitmaster explored the curiosity, family commitment, and analytical approach that helped shape SmellaQue.
Watching her team put together this kind of performance at the Jack gives that story an extraordinary new chapter—and offers fans on both sides of the border another reason to cheer.
Smokin Hoggz Powers Into the Top Ten
Massachusetts’ Smokin Hoggz BBQ finished ninth overall with 699.3484 points, just 0.0228 points behind the team tied immediately above it. Its fifth-place ribs score of 177.7144 helped power a top-ten finish, complemented by 175.4056 in brisket. It was an impressive showing against an invitation-only field.
ELJEFE Smoke Delivers a Perfect Chicken Score
ELJEFE Smoke came home 11th overall with 698.2172 points and a perfect 180.0000 in chicken, listed second in the category on the official tally sheet.
The team also placed eighth in pork with 177.7028. That combination of a perfect category score and an overall finish near the top ten is something the entire New England barbecue community can celebrate.
Perfect Brisket and More Regional Highlights
Humphrey’s BBQ put down a perfect 180.0000 in brisket, ranked second in the category, and is on its way to 45th overall. Sticks & Stones BBQ finished 44th overall and ninth in brisket with 177.7028.
Fire At The End of the Day finished 48th overall and 12th in chicken with 176.5828, while Paddy McQ’s placed 62nd overall and 15th in chicken with 176.5600.
The Titans of BBQ finished 71st overall and seventh in chicken with 177.7028. Every one of those category calls speaks to the depth and talent of the teams representing our region.
Podcast Connections Across the Field
The score sheets also include several familiar names from the Wise Guys BBQ orbit beyond the regional teams. Heath Riles BBQ finished 39th overall and was among the teams posting a perfect 180 in chicken; Chicken Fried BBQ placed 36th overall, with an 11th-place ribs finish.
Those connections make the competition even more personal for listeners who have followed these pitmasters’ stories on the show.
Pride That Reaches Beyond the Rankings
A trip to the Jack is an achievement before the first turn-in box is filled. New England’s cooks did more than arrive—they competed, earned major category results, and proved that great barbecue has no geographic boundary.
BBQ News congratulates Smokin Hoggz BBQ, ELJEFE Smoke, Humphrey’s BBQ, Sticks & Stones BBQ, Fire At The End of the Day, Paddy McQ’s and the Titans of BBQ, along with Janice Smella and every competitor who helped make the 2026 Jack unforgettable.
