Competition Information

Teams may prep meats in any manner they choose; however, all meats must be raw upon arrival and cooked entirely on-site.

All cooking methods are permitted. Lighter fluid is strictly prohibited.

Cooking may begin upon arrival on Friday after you check in with a NMD official.

Teams must set up or drop off cooking stations on Friday, March 27, beginning at 3:00 PM and ending at 7:00 PM. Each team will be assigned a designated space. Teams are allowed to stay on the event grounds.

Teams are responsible for cleaning their area after the competition (volunteers will be available to assist).

All contestants must follow reasonable sanitary practices during preparation, cooking, and judging.

Judging Overview

Any dish containing meat is eligible. This is not a traditional BBQ competition—teams are encouraged to cook in their own style and have fun.
Examples include (but are not limited to): moose burgers, duck jalapeño poppers, tamales, zebra tacos. Teams will submit to a panel of 4 judges.

Competition Categories

  1. Surf – Any animal sourced from a body of water

  2. Turf – Any land animal (cuts commonly found in grocery stores)

  3. Pork – Any cut from the pig (yes, even the whole pig)

  4. Exotic – Anything goes (see Exotic Judging Criteria below). Teams must ensure selections are ethical, responsible, and humane.

Teams are required to compete in the Exotic category and at least one additional category.
Competing in all four categories increases odds to be Grand Champion of your division.

Exotic Category – Judging Criteria Update

Exotic entries will be judged first and foremost on food quality, using the same standards as all other categories (taste, execution, and overall quality).

In addition to the standard score, teams will receive a separate “Exotic Factor” bonus, awarded on a defined scale of up to 1-5 additional points, as determined by the judging panel. This score reflects the rarity and uniqueness of the meat and will be added to the total Exotic score.

This structure ensures that:

  • Exceptional cooking is always rewarded, regardless of protein choice

  • Teams are encouraged to cook meats they can execute well—not solely for shock value

  • The Exotic Factor enhances a strong dish rather than compensating for poor preparation

Quality comes first. The Exotic Factor is a bonus—not a substitute—for excellent cooking. Do not be shy, kangaroo and musk ox have won this category over "traditional" exotics.

Judges & Scoring

Judging will be conducted by a panel of chefs, restaurant owners, and celebrity judges.

Turn-In Times

  • Surf: 12:00 PM

  • Pork: 1:00 PM

  • Exotic: 2:00 PM

  • Turf: 3:00 PM

Each team will be assigned a specific turn-in time within each category. Turn-ins will occur within a 15-minute window, and teams must submit their entry during their designated time slot.

Scores range from 1 (low) to 5 (high) and are based on:

  • Presentation

  • Taste

The Exotic category includes an additional Exotic Factor score (see above).

Bonus Opportunities

BACKCOUNTRY BOUNTY (+2 Points)

A +2 point bonus is awarded for any meat personally harvested by the team and entered into the corresponding category.

Proof of harvest (competitor and animal, with timestamp) must be submitted to
lexcapitano@ntlmeatday.com by March 24.

Tie Breakers

In the event of a tie (category or overall), the winner will be randomly selected by the Head Judge.

Cooking Team Set-Up

All equipment (cookers, canopies, tables, chairs, etc.) must remain within the assigned space and be kept in a clean and sanitary condition.

Waste must be disposed of in designated trash areas. A dumpster will be available on-site.

Team Responsibilities

Teams must provide:

  • All cooking equipment (grill, smoker, etc.)

  • All meat

  • Sanitary supplies (gloves, napkins, etc.)

  • Coolers and ice

  • Chairs

Event-Provided Items

Each team will receive:

  • Fire extinguisher

  • 10x20 assigned space

  • One 10x10 tent (additional tents encouraged)

  • One table (additional tables encouraged)

  • Power access (teams encouraged to bring their own if needed)

  • Turn-in boxes

  • Team gift

  • Plywood for placement beneath grills/fire pits

Competition Winners

The top three teams in each category will be announced on National Meat Day.

Category winners are determined by total combined scores in:

  • Turf

  • Surf

  • Pork

  • Exotic

Two Grand Champions will be crowned:

  • Pros Division

  • Joes Division

The Grand Champion is the team with the highest total score within their division.

Bonus Award

The “MIGHT AS WELL BE VEGAN” title will be awarded to the team finishing last overall (least amount of points scored).

Serving to the Public

Teams are encouraged (but not required) to share food with the public. National Meat Day celebrates a wide range of meats, and sharing is part of the experience.

Only wristband-holding attendees may sample food.
Kids eat free.

Conduct & Compliance

Teams must comply with all local alcohol laws.

All meats must meet USDA and/or Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services standards.

The health and safety of contestants, judges, and attendees is the top priority.

Full compliance with fire, health, electrical, waste, and recycling regulations is required.

Questions

lexcapitano@ntlmeatday.com
 813-316-8135