How much prize money for a first year cookoff?

Lincoln Nebraska was 15K this year, and it was their first year. I think 30 or so teams were there.

Babyboomerboy said:

What are some of the prize amounts you all have seen for a start up BBQ comp? How many teams generally go to a first year event. Our city is pulling together to have a great day with a lot of activities but we have no clue as to how much to offer the GC, RGC, and meat winners. Any help in answering these questions would really be appreciated.

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I have seen 2500 and 10,000 for a 1st year event here in CA. I have seen as few as 5 teams (2003) and as many as 22 (2008) to new ones here in CA. A lot will depend on the amout of teams in your area and how many other contest around the same time. you might want to try and have a backyard division too...Try and get the new team who is looking to get their feet wet!

mds2 said:

Lincoln Nebraska was 15K this year, and it was their first year. I think 30 or so teams were there.

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Man, you put up 15K in CA now and you will get between 40-50 teams!

Bentley said:

Man, you put up 15K in CA now and you will get between 40-50 teams!

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It was the same weekend as another big contest in Iowa if I remember correctly.

Another first year contest I went to had 2 or 3K in prize money, so it can vary widely. I think 15K is WAY out of the norm.

I would like to see as a competitor at least 5k for the first year, split up nicely among the top three thoughout. 10k would really grab some attention.

I don't really care about whether the contest is a first year contest, I care about the ratio of prize money to teams competing. I like contests that pay 100% of entry fees out in prize money.

mds2 said:

Lincoln Nebraska was 15K this year, and it was their first year. I think 30 or so teams were there.

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26 teams...enough prize money to pay each team 3 times the entry fee. First in each category paid $1250.

The Pickled Pig said:

I don't really care about whether the contest is a first year contest, I care about the ratio of prize money to teams competing. I like contests that pay 100% of entry fees out in prize money.



26 teams...enough prize money to pay each team 3 times the entry fee. First in each category paid $1250.

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Hey, I just looked at your website, you were set up right next to us. Sorry, I dont think that I came over and said "Hi".