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Food & Drink Hungry Memphis

Memphis In May Adds Steak to Cooking Contest

New category offers top prize of $3,000.

The Memphis In May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest (MIM) is adding steak to its competition list with a top prize of $3,000.

MIM announced the addition of the Steak Cookout Competition Thursday morning. It’s a partnership with the Steak Cookout Association and a first for MIM.    

“For 47 years now, the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest teams have continued to bring excitement and immense competition during the Memphis in May International Festival celebration,” said Mack Weaver, MIM president and CEO. “We are thrilled to partner with the Steak Cookoff Association (SCA) to expand opportunities for our teams to earn more cash and notoriety.”

The total purse for the steak contest is $6,000. The prize money is broken down like this: 

• 1st place – $3,000

• 2nd place – $1,500

• 3rd place – $1,000

• 4th place – $500 

Winners also earn an automatic entry into the Steak Cookoff Association World Championship in Fort Worth, Texas. 

“It’s long been a goal of ours to have an SCA Cookoff at Memphis in May,” said SCA founder Ken Phillips. “The cooks and judges are very excited about the opportunity. I look forward to a long and successful collaboration.”

The Steak Cookoff Competition will take place during the Memphis in May International Festival on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at Liberty Park. Cost for teams to compete is $150.