BBQ Pitmasters

As temperatures soar, it's not just the meat that's getting cooked when teams head to the desert for the Smokin' in Mesquite BBQ Championship for a taste of $40,000 in cash and prizes.

Cooking skills, nerves and patience are tested at the historic Riverfest Barbecue Cook-Off in Decatur, Alabama, as the Pitmasters battle for the $3,000 top prize.

The pressure's on as teams compete in one of the most difficult cook-offs of the year -- the Murphysboro BBQ Cook-Off. Lee Ann and Myron face off in the whole hog competition, while tempers flare between Johnny and local cooks.

Stakes are high at the American Royal Invitational in Kansas City, Missouri. Myron faces his biggest rival: restaurateur Chris Lilly. Then, rookie Paul begs for help from pro Johnny, who offers to teach him the ABCs of BBQ.

The crowds are out for the American Royal Open in Kansas City, Missouri, and the Pitmasters step it up to compete with nearly 500 professional and amateur teams for over $40,000 in prizes.

The competition heats up even as temperatures fall at the Diamond State BBQ Championship in Dover, DE. Harry's former teammate, Gary, competes on his own, and Tuffy does Myron a favor, which could end up hurting his own chances.

Pitmasters are going hog wild at the oldest BBQ event in Georgia: the Big Pig Jig. Myron's on his home turf defending his title as self-proclaimed king of hog, while Tuffy attempts his first whole hog on a new pit.

It's a true Texas showdown when the Godfather of Ribs, Johnny Trigg, challenges his closest friends and fiercest rivals to compete in an all-rib shootout. For the first time ever, the cookers watch the judges' reactions.