BBQ Pitmasters

As temperatures soar, it's not just the meat that's getting cooked when teams head to the desert for the Smokin' in Mesquite BBQ Championship for a taste of $40,000 in cash and prizes.

Cooking skills, nerves and patience are tested at the historic Riverfest Barbecue Cook-Off in Decatur, Alabama, as the Pitmasters battle for the $3,000 top prize.

The pressure's on as teams compete in one of the most difficult cook-offs of the year -- the Murphysboro Barbecue Cook-Off. Lee Ann and Myron face off in the whole hog competition, while tempers flare between Johnny and one of the local cooks.

Stakes are high at the American Royal Invitational in Kansas City, Missouri. Myron faces his biggest rival on the circuit: restaurateur Chris Lilly. When rookie Paul begs for help, pro Johnny Trigg offers to teach him the ABCs of BBQ.

The crowds are out for the American Royal Open in Kansas City, Missouri, where professional and amateur teams come together to represent the full spectrum of the BBQ world. The Pitmasters step it up to compete with nearly 500 teams for over $40,000 in prizes.

The competition heats up in the northeast, even as temperatures fall at the Diamond State BBQ Championship in Dover, Delaware. Harry's former teammate, Gary, competes on his own, and Tuffy does Myron a favor, which could end up hurting his own chances.

It's a true Texas showdown when the Godfather of Ribs, Johnny Trigg, challenges his closest friends and fiercest rivals to compete in an all-rib shootout. For the first time ever, the cookers watch the judges' reactions -- both the good and the shockingly bad.

Pitmasters are going hog wild at the oldest BBQ event in Georgia: the Big Pig Jig. Myron's on his home turf defending his title as self-proclaimed king of hog, while Tuffy faces a double challenge as he attempts his first whole hog on a new pit.