MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Pitmaster Tuffy Stone of Cool Smoke Barbeque took home his sixth World Championship title at the 2019 Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest held May 19. Stone started the Cool Smoke barbecue team with his dad George in 2004.

Stone, who was inducted into the Barbecue Hall of Fame in 2018, was also presented with the legendary 2019 Pitmaster of the Year Award from the National Barbecue & Grilling Association, honoring his outstanding contributions to the industry.

“We are so proud of Tuffy Stone and the Cool Smoke team on their first overall Grand Champion win at Memphis in May — this award could not be more deserving as he is one of the most dedicated, inspirational, and kind-hearted people in the sport of barbecue,” said Emily Detwiler, director of marketing for Smithfield Foods. “We also want to congratulate Chris Lilly, Darren and Sherry Warth, and all of our pitmaster partners, for continuing to be amazing ambassadors for Smithfield and representing us at one of the most prestigious competitions in the world.”

Smithfield pitmasters continue to bring home awards in the pork shoulder category at Memphis in May, with Cool Smoke and Chris Lilly of Big Bob Gibson’s Bar-B-Q placing first and second, respectively. The Big Bob Gibson’s Bar-B-Q team also won first place in the Kingsford Tour of Champions.

Other Smithfield barbecue teams performed well in other pork categories at the Memphis in May competition. In their first-ever appearance at Memphis in May, Darren and Sherry Warth of Iowa’s Smokey D’s BBQ finished 12th out of 115 teams in the rib category.

The Smithfield brand recently launched the Smokin’ With Smithfield National Barbecue Championship which is open to all competition barbecue cooks in the country. To find out more or to register a team, visit www.SmokinWithSmithfield.com.