Kamado Joe - Young BBQ Chef of the Year Competition
Are you an aspiring chef, or have a passion for cooking over coals? Ready to take your barbecue skills beyond the grill and into the spotlight? This is your chance…
We’ve teamed up with Kamado Joe to discover the next generation of barbecue talent, and the winner will earn a one-to-one mentoring session with Paul Ainsworth, become a Kamado Joe ambassador and receive your own barbecue and accessories.
About the competition
Cooking over fire is as much instinct as it is technique. It demands confidence, adaptability and a deep understanding of flavour. Master the barbecue, and you can handle anything a professional kitchen throws your way.
We’re looking for ambitious, emerging chefs to showcase their skills by creating a standout barbecue dish that reflects their style, creativity and approach to live-fire cooking. To enter, simply submit a short video demonstrating your dish and how you cook it.
The final
From all entries, we’ll shortlist five chefs to go head to head in a live cook-off. The finalists will present their dishes to a judging panel, culminating in a final judged by industry experts and Paul Ainsworth himself.
The prize
A mentoring session with Paul Ainsworth, focused on career development and progression
Become a Kamado Joe ambassador, receive a Kamado Joe barbecue and accessories, and help inspire barbecue lovers by sharing your expertise with a wider audience.
Join Great British Chefs as a contributor, with your profile and recipes published on the site
How to enter
Create your best barbecue-inspired dish
Film a short video (60 seconds) showing how you cook it and what makes it special
Submit your entry for the chance to be shortlisted as one of five finalists, who will be invited to the judging event on Wednesday 22nd April 2026.
You’re also welcome to share your entry on social media and tag us.
What the Judges are looking for
Original, non-plagiarised dish concept
Fully executable on a barbecue
Demonstrates an innovative approach to barbecue techniques
Suitable for face-to-camera presentation
Refined, visually striking final dish
Total preparation and cooking time of 2-3 hours
Entrant is an aspiring or early-career cook or chef
If you have any questions please contact competitions@greatbritishchefs.com
