By Pat Trevino
June 21, 2025

CUERO, Texas — Cuero City Park was ablaze this weekend—not with wildfires, but with the fierce flames of competition—as the CVFD Battle Royal lit up the town with the biggest barbecue event of the year. This wasn’t just any cook-off; it was the first-ever IBCA/CBA Double State Championship Double Header, drawing 100 elite teams from across the region to battle it out for serious cash, bragging rights, and a place in barbecue history.

The stakes were sky-high, with a combined $78,000 in total cash prizes, including a $15,000 CBA purse, and an additional $10,000 in gear and goods. On top of that, the event marked the final stop in the 2025 IBCA High Roller Series, where the top three teams split an extra $5,000 bonus. With so much on the line, the park was packed with smoke, sizzle, and the unmistakable energy of championship-level competition.

“This event is made for the big dawgs,” posted event organizer Craig Oakes on social media, a bold statement that reflected the elite level of talent that had rolled into town. And he wasn’t exaggerating—the massive payout was enough to attract top-tier teams from all corners of Texas and beyond, lighting a fire under the most serious of pitmasters.

But it wasn’t just about the money—though that certainly helped. For many, like Shane Wilke, it was about the camaraderie, the craft, and the thrill of the smoke. “I was just looking forward to a great weekend ….and hoped the mosquitoes didn’t carry us away.”

The competition was sanctioned by both the International Barbeque Cookers Association (IBCA) and the Championship Barbecue Alliance (CBA), making it a rare double state championship and the final stop in the IBCA High Roller Series. These two sanctioning bodies are among the most respected in competitive barbecue, known for strict judging standards and attracting top-tier talent from across the country.

That meant serious bragging rights—and serious cash—for those who could handle the heat. While elite teams were laser-focused on the grand prize, plenty of hobbyists and smaller teams came for the camaraderie, the thrill of the competition, and a chance to support a good cause. After all, the event wasn’t just about barbecue—it was also a major fundraiser for the Cuero Volunteer Fire Department.

And win they did. Out of 100 competing teams, the top honors went to:

• Grand Champion: Gerald Johnson of Burnin’ My Money (score: 553.72)
• Reserve Grand Champion: Bill Purvis of Chicken Fried BBQ
• Brisket Champion: Paul Whitaker of Scooter N Clarke
• Chicken Champion: Zach Smith of Meat-Locker Misfits
• Pork Spare Ribs Champion: Jamie Beran of Post Oak Cookers

The event was judged under the watchful eye of Head Judge Rose Simola, ensuring fairness and flavor in every bite.

So who makes the money? The prize pool is distributed among the top finishers in each meat category, with the Grand Champion taking the lion’s share. Even mid-tier placements walked away with impressive payouts. Vendors and sponsors also benefited from the massive turnout, and proceeds from the event support the Cuero Volunteer Fire Department, helping fund essential services for the community.

If you were anywhere near Cuero this weekend, the scent of mesquite and oak smoke surely led you to the park. And if you passed by the Ann building, you might’ve caught a wave from Shane Wilke, who welcomed visitors with a smile and a plate full of heart.

CVFD Battle Royal International Barbeque Cookers Association Results