Can a one person team realistically compete?
 

Hey just a quick question -

Is it possible for just a one-man "team" to realistically be able to compete in local BBQ competitions? Meaning, just myself? I'm not talking about the American Royal or some of the other very big competitions, just smaller, local ones with maybe less than 50 teams (yet still "official" KCBS).

Having caught the bug over the last two months I'm thinking about a nice stick burner (or something else) but one of the factors that enters into that equation is potentially using the cooker to compete, meaning I might need a somewhat bigger cooker than what I'd typically just use at home or for church-related entertainment, for example. Like a Lang 48 vs. a 60, etc.

Post this in the competition section for better feedback. I would say yes.

I've seen it done many times with stellar results.

I would think for KCBS it could be done and as Pat said, often is. Not sure if it would work out so well for MIM/MBN type comps though.

With the right equipment...totally doable IMO.

Good to know....yeah, I was thinking of posting this in the Comp forum but I'm thinking of this question more from the standpoint of buying a cooker sometime in the next 3 months or so. Just trying to get some of the basics down, like size. Of course, if I do get something bigger the next question will be whether I should get the unit put on a trailer....

Yes, it can be done, just be prepared to go nonstop if you do.

In Apex, NC this June the GC was Killer B's and he did it alone.

If you are looking at a LANG, I'd highly suggest a 48 hybrid (so that you have the charcoal grill up front for added firepower - pun intended).

I have a LANG 36 hybrid, but really would do a bit better with the 48 hybrid.

A lot of people do it It is a lot of work and good time management skills You have to both set and clean up too

I have never actually competed alone, but I know I could if I needed to.

4 18.5" WSMs for me.

Yeah, but you've got sla...um, SONS, I meant...

It can be done. My best advice is practice your times and don't have "friends" just eating to hang out, they can become distracting.

It definitely works for most normal contests but something like the AR or very large contests where turrnins are farther away or crowds would make it hard to do. You might be able to do it at places like the AR if you were a box ahead of turnins in some way

Yep, just ask Rub.

can you compete? yes. are you at a disadvantage from the start? yes and no.

it is ALOT of work, not only at the comp, but before, AND after.

the upside is, you are the boss and your own standards rule.