WEST GREENWICH, R.I. Pray For Me BBQ earned its first Grand Championship title in a close contest at the 2026 Baby Mac’s BBQ Smoker Challenge, held at The Woods Tavern.
In the official Northeast Barbecue Society (NEBS)- sanctioned event, Pray For Me BBQ edged out the field with a commanding top score of 524.5716. Close behind, Rudy Q secured the Reserve Grand Champion title with a score of 517.1428, creating a formidable 1-2 finish that has shaken up the regional leaderboard.
Both teams’ impressive performances have propelled Rudy Q into first place in the prestigious Ken Dakai Cup season standings.
Hosted annually to benefit A Wish Come True Inc., the Baby Mac’s BBQ Smoker Challenge brings pitmasters from across the region together to go head-to-head in the Classic 3 categories: Chicken Thighs, Pork Ribs, and Pulled Pork, plus an ancillary appetizer challenge.
2026 Baby Mac’s BBQ Smoker Challenge Final Standings
| Rank | Team Name | Final Score |
| 1 (GC) | Pray for Me BBQ | 524.5716 |
| 2 (RGC) | Rudy Q | 517.1428 |
| 3 | Hillside BBQ | 515.4284 |
| 4 | Ocean Grove BBQ | 514.2854 |
| 5 | Juicy Thighz | 513.1426 |
| 6 | BBQ Mom | 506.2858 |
| 7 | smokeshow | 504.0000 |
| 8 | BBQ Tom | 497.7142 |
| 9 | Silva Back BBQ | 497.1424 |
| 10 | Barber-Que | 495.9996 |
| 11 | Fire & Knives BBQ | 495.4284 |
| 12 | Schmores Small Batch BBQ | 493.7140 |
| 13 | Ken-Q | 481.7138 |
| 14 | Cocky Pig | 458.2852 |
With only a few points separating the top five teams, including strong finishes from Hillside BBQ (515.4284), Ocean Grove BBQ (514.2854), and Juicy Thighz (513.1426), this year’s challenge proved to be one of the most competitive in recent memory.
