IBA “Of the Year” Award Rankings

Team of the Year Award

The Idaho BBQ Association Team of the Year awards recognize the most consistent and high-performing competition teams over the course of a full season, based on points earned at sanctioned events.

TOY points are calculated on all sanctioned events that a team participates in.

To be eligible, the teams head cook must be an IBA member in good standing at the time of the competition and remain in good standing throughout the competition year, including at the TOY awards banquet.

These are unofficial Standings for the 2026 season.

Number of Competitions considered: 1

Overall

Awarded to the team that accumulates the most points across all IBA categories and sanctioned competitions throughout the season, recognising overall consistency and performance at the highest level.

Poultry

Awarded to the team that earns the most points in the poultry category across all IBA competitions, recognizing category-specific excellence and consistency.

Rank	Team Name	Points
1	The Traeger Tribe	259
2	Just Me BBQ	234
3	Ronnie Johnson BBQ	184
4	Oak & Iron BBQ	159
5	Wading in the Smoke	129
6	JJB Catering	119

Pork

Awarded to the team that earns the most points in the pork category across all IBA competitions, highlighting top performers in this discipline.

Rank	Team Name	Points
1	Oak & Iron BBQ	259
2	Ronnie Johnson BBQ	234
3	Just Me BBQ	209
4	JJB Catering	129
5	The Traeger Tribe	119
6	Wading in the Smoke	34

Beef

Awarded to the team that earns the most points in the beef category across all IBA competitions, celebrating the highest level of achievement in beef entries.

Judge(s) of the Year

Awarded to the judge(s) who demonstrate the highest level of commitment to IBA competitions, earning points through consistent participation, leadership and dedication to supporting events across the season. This recognition celebrates the individuals who help uphold the standard, fairness, and integrity of IBA judging.

To be eligible, judges must be an IBA member in good standing at the time of the competition and remain in good standing throughout the competition year, including at the TOY awards banquet.

Judges earn one point for each event they participate in, with table captains receiving two points per event in recognition of their leadership role. Additional points may be available at select competitions based on event-specific criteria.

These are unofficial Standings for the 2026 season.

Rank	Judge Name	Points
1	Kim D	2
1	Scott B	2
2	Brian L	1
2	Cienna G	1
2	Dirk M	1
2	Glen J	1
2	Jim R	1
2	Keri A	1
2	Mary M	1

Outstanding Contributor

The IBA Outstanding Contributor Award recognizes individuals whose impact on the Idaho BBQ Association goes above and beyond, in ways that meaningfully strengthen and support the growth of barbecue in Idaho. This award is not presented every year—it is intentionally reserved for those rare contributors that truly stand out, whether through service, leadership, innovation, or dedication.

Nominees are put forward by IBA members, and as there are no fixed criteria, this award reflects the broad and lasting influence someone can have on the association and its community.

• Nominees must be current Idaho BBQ Association members in good standing at the time of nomination & TOY Awards banquet.
• Individuals cannot nominate themselves; all nominations must come from fellow IBA members.
• Each member may submit only one nomination per award cycle.
• Nominees should demonstrate a consistent willingness to support events, contribute where needed, and represent the IBA in a positive and professional manner.
• Contributions may take many forms, including leadership, volunteerism, mentorship, or behind-the-scenes support—formal certifications or titles are not required.
• Those currently serving on the IBA Board of Directors or other committees are not eligible for nomination during their term.