Kansas City Team Wins Smoke in the Spring BBQ Competition

Blind Fox BBQ claims grand champion title, earns spot in $1 million BBQ World Cup

Apr. 13, 2026 at 3:06pm

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The Blind Fox BBQ team from Kansas City, Missouri, has won the grand champion title at the Smoke in the Spring BBQ competition, beating out over 100 other teams. The win secures them a spot in the upcoming $1 million BBQ World Cup.

Why it matters

The Smoke in the Spring competition is one of the most prestigious BBQ events in the Midwest, drawing top teams from across the region. Blind Fox's victory demonstrates their skill and consistency, and the opportunity to compete in the lucrative World Cup will raise their national profile.

The details

Blind Fox BBQ, led by Joe Ricklefs and Adam Burch, took home the grand champion title at the Smoke in the Spring competition in Osage City, Kansas. They bested over 100 other teams, including second-place finisher Slap's BBQ from Kansas City, Kansas, and third-place finisher Triple H BBQ. Ricklefs and Burch credited their team's consistency and deep knowledge of their craft as keys to their success in the highly competitive field.

  • The Smoke in the Spring competition took place this past weekend (April 11-12, 2026).
  • Blind Fox BBQ has been competing in the event for three years.

The players

Blind Fox BBQ

A BBQ team from Kansas City, Missouri that won the grand champion title at the 2026 Smoke in the Spring competition.

Joe Ricklefs

A member of the Blind Fox BBQ team.

Adam Burch

A member of the Blind Fox BBQ team.

Slap's BBQ

A BBQ team from Kansas City, Kansas that finished in second place at the 2026 Smoke in the Spring competition.

Triple H BBQ

A BBQ team that finished in third place at the 2026 Smoke in the Spring competition.

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What they’re saying

“It's an amazing feeling to win the grand champion title. Consistency is the key to good barbecue, competition or otherwise.”

— Joe Ricklefs, Member, Blind Fox BBQ

“Things went extremely well for us this weekend. Knowing your product as a contestant is so important.”

— Adam Burch, Member, Blind Fox BBQ

What’s next

With the Smoke in the Spring win, Blind Fox BBQ has earned a spot in the upcoming $1 million BBQ World Cup competition.

The takeaway

Blind Fox BBQ's victory at the prestigious Smoke in the Spring event demonstrates the team's exceptional skill and consistency in the highly competitive world of competitive barbecue. Their success has earned them a coveted spot in the lucrative $1 million BBQ World Cup, which will raise their national profile and cement their reputation as one of the top BBQ teams in the country.