Big Poppa's Ambassadors
Big Poppa’s Ambassadors are BBQ champions, innovators, and storytellers.
They compete, teach, and inspire — showing what’s possible with passion, fire, and Big Poppa Smokers products.
Showcasing the Champions of Big Poppa's BBQ Excellence
Meet Big Poppa's Brand Ambassadors
he Big Poppa Smokers Ambassador Program celebrates elite pitmasters who live by our core values: quality, creativity, and community. Each ambassador brings proven championship experience, fresh ideas, and a commitment to sharing their knowledge. Together, they inspire pitmasters, backyard cooks, and future BBQ legends across the country.
Military Precision, Championship Flavor
Bushmaster BBQ
Led by Chris Webb, Bushmaster BBQ blends military discipline with world-class BBQ technique. Chris’s service background fuels his focus and attention to detail at the pit. Known for bold flavors and precision cooking, Bushmaster BBQ has earned its reputation as a consistent competitor on the BBQ circuit.
Champions Driven by Excellence and Passion
Chicken Fried BBQ
Bill Purvis and his team at Chicken Fried BBQ are known for championship performances and unshakable dedication. With multiple titles to their name, their drive and craftsmanship make them one of the most respected teams in BBQ today — and a proud representative of the Big Poppa Smokers family.
No-fuss pitmaster with bold rubs, clean smoke, competition-ready technique.
Chunky BBQ
Pitmaster John Shirey of Chunky BBQ proves great barbecue isn’t complicated—just disciplined. He starts with quality meat, layers on balanced rubs, manages temps with patience, and lets time build bark, tenderness, and juicy bite. From backyard cooks to contest turn-ins, John’s “chunky” style delivers crowd-pleasing ribs, brisket, and chicken you can replicate at home.
Champion Pitmaster, Restaurant Innovator, and BBQ Trendsetter"
Clark Crew
Travis Clark of Clark Crew BBQ is a household name in competition BBQ. With numerous championships and thriving restaurants, Travis sets trends across the industry. His creativity and leadership embody the Big Poppa Smokers spirit — blending skill, innovation, and a genuine love for the craft.
Champion Pitmaster and Culinary Star
Heavy Smoke
Chris Schafer of Heavy Smoke BBQ has earned countless grand championships and top finishes on the KCBS Team of the Year circuit. His attention to detail, flavor mastery, and competitive drive have made him a standout name. Chris also shares his BBQ excellence with fans at his restaurant in St. Peters, Missouri.
Award-Winning Pitmaster of Old Virginia Smoke BBQ
Old Virgina Smoke
Luke Darnell, pitmaster of Old Virginia Smoke BBQ, is a respected name across the BBQ world. His dedication to craftsmanship and the art of live-fire cooking has earned him top awards and a loyal following. Luke’s commitment to learning, sharing, and leading represents everything Big Poppa Smokers stands for.
World Food BBQ Champion and Master Butcher
Rio Valley Meats BBQ
Fred Robles, pitmaster of Rio Valley Meats BBQ, blends butcher expertise with championship BBQ experience. Winner of the 2017 World Food BBQ Champion title, Fred is known for precision, passion, and top-quality meat. Through his butcher shop in Weslaco, Texas, he continues to serve both his community and the BBQ world.
Consistent Champion on the BBQ Circuit
Shiggin' & Grinnin'
Jeff Vanderlinde and the Shiggin’ & Grinnin’ BBQ Team from Delano, Minnesota, have been top contenders at major events like Minnesota in May and King of the Corn. Jeff’s consistency, craftsmanship, and long-time partnership with Big Poppa Smokers show what it means to cook — and win — with passion.
BACKWOODS FLAVOR, WORLD CHAMPION FIRE
Wags Backwoods BBQ
Wags Backwoods BBQ, from small town Osage, IA, started off cooking at local small town contests and fairs. Once we saw some success, we entered our first KCBS contest in 2015 at the Up in Smoke BBQ in Mason City, IA. Since then we have competed in over 100 contests and brought home Grand Champion honors multiple times including the American Royal, KCBS Invitational, and Rib Champion at the Houston Livestock and Rodeo BBQ. We enjoy the weekends hanging out with our friends at different locations around the country cooking up BBQ and sharing our passion for the sport.
AMERICAN ROYAL CHAMPIONS AND BBQ EDUCATORS
Hot Daddys BBQ
Hot Daddy’s BBQ from Grasston, MN is a husband & wife duo Kyle & Amy Kuhn. From a simple winter project building a smoker in 2006, evolved into a bbq adventure when they entered a local rib contest in 2015 & joined the pro KCBS circuit by 2017. They reached a major milestone by winning the American Royal World Series of BBQ Invitational, as well as earning multiple invitations to the Jack Daniel’s World Championship. Today, they balance competing with a passion for giving back to the community, hosting classes to share their passion of competing.
Big Poppa Smokers Affiliate Program
Join the Big Poppa Smokers Affiliate Program and earn commissions for sharing championship flavor. Whether you’re a competitor, content creator, or backyard hero, you’ll get rewarded for promoting the rubs, sauces, and gear trusted by BBQ pros everywhere.