Southern Pride, the industry leader in the commercial smoker world, today announced a sponsorship of the inaugural SMOKE@ICC Barbecue Competition, presented by Chung Jung One. At this one-of-a-kind competition, renowned pit masters will face off against professional chefs.

“Not only is barbecue one of the most exciting and rapidly growing segments of the restaurant industry,” says StarChefs.com editor-in-chief Antoinette Bruno,  “But chefs across the country are embracing smoking and barbecue techniques like never before, elevating the flavors, taste and even plating.”

For one day only, 10 teams coming from Texas to Jersey and Vermont to New Orleans, will smoke meats in four rounds: New World, Regional American, Asian, and People’s Choice. They will have just hours to impress judges, including Andy Husbands (2009 Jack Daniel's World Championship Winner), Dave Anderson (Famous Dave’s), Kenny Callaghan (Blue Smoke), Brad Orrison (The Shed), and Steve Raichlen (Barbecue University). Matt & Ted Lee (The Lee Bros.) will Emcee the evening event.

The winning team will take home the Grand Champion trophy, an all‐expenses paid trip to Korea, presented by Chung Jung One, an MLR 150 competition‐level smoker, and a chance to compete at the World Food Championships in Las Vegas, courtesy of Southern Pride.

SMOKE@ICC will culminate with a public event at Pier 57 at West 15th Street and feature each team’s brisket, along with food carts, a beer garden, live music, and a whole-animal butchery demonstration on the main stage. Guests will vote for the People’s Choice brisket, courtesy of Meat & Livestock Australia.