Fred Robles
Fred Robles and his team won a $10,000 prize in the 2017 World Food Championships.
 
ORANGE BEACH, Ala. – There’s a new barbecue boss in town. Fred Robles of Weslaco, Texas-based Rio Valley Meat BBQ team was named 2017’s World Barbecue Champion at the 2017 World Food Championships in Orange Beach, Alabama Nov. 12. The multi-day culinary competition was sponsored by Western Premium BBQ Products and Cowboy Charcoal. Robles took home a $10,000 prize for the win.

“This event requires chefs to perform at the top of their game,” said Mike McCloud, World Food Championships founder. “Fred not only made it to the top 10 during his first attempt at the World Food Championships, but he claimed the title.”

“I don’t remember hearing my name called the first time,” said Robles of the moment he was named champion. “I remember everyone on stage turning around to congratulate me. What a thrill to be joined on stage by a bunch of folks I truly respect in barbecue.”

Participants representing 45 states and 14 countries competed in the championships. More than 8,500 dishes were scored during the competition.

Now that Robles has taken the crown for World Barbecue Champion, he will compete against the grand champions of other food categories for the chance to be named Grand Champion in April 2018, and earn a $100,000 prize. Other food categories include burger, chili, seafood, dessert, sandwich, bacon, recipe (chicken), steak and World Chef Challenge.

For more on World Food Championships, visit worldfoodchampionships.com.