Smokin’ on the Rio World Championship BBQ Cook-Off was established in 2004 by a group of local businessmen with the goal of raising money in support of youth agricultural projects in the Rio Grande Valley. The proceeds generated from the event have been used to purchase student projects at the Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show’s Sale of Champions.  Smokin’ on the Rio feels it is very important to promote the involvement of students in the agricultural lifestyle that develops leadership, responsibility, and dedication.  The main goal is to insure that all students in the auction get a fair return on their livestock investment, which in turn will give them the desire to participate again and invite their friends to join them.

Smokin’ on the Rio, Inc., a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, hosts the annual Smokin’ on the Rio World Championship BBQ Cook-Off in Mercedes, Texas on the second Saturday (weekend) every February.  The proceeds of each year’s event provides the Board of Directors the ability to impact the lives of over 200 students participating in the Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show through a wide range of 4-H and FFA projects.  Smokin’ on the Rio has awarded over $1.7 million to almost 2,800 youth since 2004.  Smokin' on the Rio continues to dedicate its efforts to expanding its support of youth across the Rio Grande Valley annually.

Smokin’ on the Rio is proud to have reached a level of success that made it the largest sanctioned BBQ Cook-off in Texas and continues to be one of the largest sancioned cookoffs in Texas and the United States.  We continue to work hard to provide the best experience for cooking teams and our guests.  Smokin' on the Rio attracts teams from all over the state, country, including international teams,  Smokin’ on the Rio is held every year during the second Saturday (weekend) of February at the Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show Grounds in Mercedes, Texas.

In 2025, Smokin' on the Rio, in union with its focus on supporting youth, is introducing a new facet to its cookoff allowing youth teams (high school age) to compete independently with other school teams as well as compete with the national contenders. 

Founding Directors

(Established in 2004):

Chuck Sellman
Brent Baldree
Ryan Vaughan
Robert Garza Sr.
Robert R. Garza
Richard Garza
Chad Hodges
Benton Beckwith
John Mozingo