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: 2

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.

RankTeam NamePoints
1Just Me BBQ2202
2Oak & Iron BBQ1797
3Ronnie Johnson BBQ1682
4Wading in the Smoke1667
5Northern Outcast BBQ1410
6That’s All Smoke1075
7Freedom Works BBQ1070
8Red Beards BBQ831
9Iron Brothers BBQ731
10Mountain View Market554
11The Traeger Tribe517
12Leña451
13JJB Catering367
14Iron Flames BBQ324

Poultry

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

RankTeam NamePoints
1Just Me BBQ398
2Oak & Iron BBQ373
3Ronnie Johnson BBQ288
4Iron Brothers BBQ264
5The Traeger Tribe259
6Wading in the Smoke253
7Freedom Works BBQ239
8Red Beards BBQ189
9That’s All Smoke154
10JJB Catering119
11Northern Outcast BBQ114
12Leña99

Pork

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

RankTeam NamePoints
1Wading in the Smoke686
2Oak & Iron BBQ661
3Ronnie Johnson BBQ651
4Just Me BBQ541
5That’s All Smoke322
6Northern Outcast BBQ317
7Freedom Works BBQ257
8Mountain View Market213
9Red Beards BBQ189
10JJB Catering129
11Iron Brothers BBQ124
12The Traeger Tribe119
13Iron Flames BBQ113
14Leña109

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.

RankTeam NamePoints
1Northern Outcast BBQ527
2Just Me BBQ477
3That’s All Smoke312
4Freedom Works BBQ297
5Ronnie Johnson BBQ257
6Wading in the Smoke242
7Oak & Iron BBQ232
8Red Beards BBQ214
9Iron Brothers BBQ154
10Mountain View Market153
11Leña134
12Iron Flames BBQ108

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 (eg distance travelled).

These are unofficial Standings for the 2026 season.

RankJudge NamePoints
1Brian L6
1Kim D6
2Keri A5
3Dirk M3
4Cienna G2
4Glen J2
4Jim R2
4Scott B2
5Brent T1
5David J1
5Darren V1
5Jason C1
5Jeremy P1
5Ron B1

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.