Season 2 of the Netflix original cooking show Barbecue Showdown was just released on the platform on Friday, May 26. With the title of American pit Master and a prize of $50,000 on the line, everyone has been wondering who the judges are that will decide the competition's winner.
The brand new season features eight barbecuers from all over the country who will face intense challenges while being asked to "create mouth-watering, boundary-pushing barbecue" dishes to impress the judges.
Contestants for this season include Thyron Matthews, owner of T&T BBQ in Iowa, seasoned pit master Cindy Hayter, American Heart Association chef consultant Delilah Winder, Michelle Lundstrom, host of the Absolute Fire Podcast, Victorian's Barbecue Shop owner Joey Victorian, caterer Eduardo Gonzalez, ZEF BBQ owner Logan Sandoval, and moonshine enthusiast John Boy Caddell.
The show is hosted by Michelle Buteau and judged by Melissa Cookston and Kevin Bludso.
Who are the judges you might ask? Well, we can tell you that both individuals have made a considerable impact in the barbecue world.
Cookston may look familiar to you as she previously appeared on Season 4 of Destination America's BBQ Pitmasters. Born and raised in the heart of the Mississippi Delta, Cookston has earned the world barbecue champion title an impressive seven times. She is the proud owner of Memphis BBQ Company in Horn Lake, Mississippi. Melissa also has two bestselling cookbooks: Smokin' in the Boy's Room and Smokin' Hot in the South.
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In addition to all of the above, Cookston established the World Junior BBQ League, a nonprofit organization that aims to mentor young talent. The league encourages teenagers aged 14-18 to take part in barbeque competitions, enforcing leadership, teamwork, and culinary expertise.
Kevin Bludso is the owner of Compton's Bludso's BBQ, as well as a chef and television star. He has managed to expand his popular restaurant to Hollywood, a concession stand at the LAFC soccer stadium, as well as internationally with locations as far as Melbourne, Australia.
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He hosts pop-up events all around the world and has appeared on the shows Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives and Bong Appétit.
Now that you know who the judges are, you're ready to watch a fiery Season 2 of Barbecue Showdown.
Directed by Daniel Calin, all episodes of Season 1 & 2 are currently available to stream on Netflix.