Heath Riles BBQ Wins Back-to-Back Memphis in May Grand Championships
The first repeat winner in over four decades, the Mississippi pitmaster has a nationally distributed line of competition-proven barbecue seasonings, rubs, sauces and glazes
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (May 28, 2026) – Heath Riles BBQ has made history at the Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest, becoming the first team in 42 years to win back-to-back Grand Champion titles. The milestone places the highly respected pitmaster and entrepreneur Heath Riles in rare company within competitive barbecue. Riles is one of the few elite competition pitmasters whose award-winning recipes are available as a nationally distributed retail line of seasonings, rubs, sauces and glazes for home cooks and competitors.
The repeat Grand Championship extends an already dominant Memphis in May legacy with four Rib category wins in the last five years, cementing Riles as one of the sport's most consistent competitors.
"To win Memphis in May once is a career-defining moment,” said Heath Riles, founder of Heath Riles BBQ. “To come back and do it again, especially after 42 years without a repeat Grand Champion, is hard to put into words. It took a lot of years and competitions to get here, and I’m proud to represent the competition barbecue community and everyone who cooks with our products at home."
The Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious barbecue competitions in the world, drawing top teams from across the country to compete in a city deeply tied to American barbecue culture.
Riles launched Heath Riles BBQ in 2016 and has spent years translating award-winning flavor profiles into approachable products and recipes for home cooks. Today, the brand has grown into a nationally recognized line of seasonings, sauces, rubs and glazes available through major national retailers including Walmart, Kroger, Ace Hardware, Academy Sports + Outdoors, Lowe’s, and direct-to-consumer at HeathRilesBBQ.com.
"This championship validates what our customers have known for years: Heath Riles BBQ products are built from real competition barbecue experience, not just a brand gimmick," said Ryan Gill, director of operations for Heath Riles BBQ. "Heath has proven he can win at the highest level, then turn that knowledge into products people can use in their own weeknight recipes, backyard barbecues, and even competitions."
About Heath Riles BBQ
Heath Riles BBQ is a championship barbecue brand founded by pitmaster Heath Riles, the first back-to-back winner of the Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest in 42 years. Known for award-winning competition results and a highly successful line of seasonings, sauces, rubs and glazes, Heath Riles BBQ helps home cooks and competitors create bold, consistent barbecue flavor. Heath Riles BBQ seasonings, rubs, sauces and glazes are available at Walmart, Kroger, Ace Hardware, Academy Sports + Outdoors, Lowe's, and direct at HeathRilesBBQ.com.