“We will win the best party” | Competition heats up at Houston Rodeo BBQ Cookoff

HOUSTON — Thousands were at NRG Park Thursday for the premiere of the Houston Rodeo BBQ Cookoff, where the grills were hot and the party won’t stop anytime soon.

For 35 years, Tom Stubblefield has been at the pit stop.

“We do brisket, ribs and chicken,” Stubblefield said.

He hasn’t won the contest yet, but said they won in other ways.

“We will win the best party,” Stubblefield said. “It’s a guaranteed win.”

Across the road, Chris Cannon has one win under his belt.

“We took first place in the breast, we became the world champions in the breast,” said Cannon. I still can’t describe it a year later. I’m world champion for two more days. I am proud of this.”

But he works for someone else.

“We want a Grand Champion. We want to be the best in all three categories as much as possible,” Cannon said.

Whether you’re roaming the aisles, traveling through tents, or living in luxury in a VIP, cooking has fun for everyone – and so does the food.

Huge amounts of meat will be served inside the Chuckwagon tent over the next three days, feeding over 40,000 people.

And even after 35 years, Tom hopes that this will be their year, and if not, they will still have a great time.

“We’re hopeful, but we’ll still win the best party,” Stubblefield said.

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