BBQ & Breweries
The grills are hot and the taps are flowing, meet this year’s BBQ & Brews competitors. Each team is ready to fire up the grills or showcase their best beers for a chance at bragging rights. Think you’ve got what it takes? Use the buttons below to sign up and join the competition—we’d love to see you in the lineup!
The Judges
BEER COMPETITION
Max Finnance
Max is one of the most credentialed beverage experts in the world, bringing unparalleled authority to BBQ & Brews. In 2025, he was promoted by the Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP) to Grand Master — the highest rank awarded. He also holds the title of Master Cicerone, one of fewer than 30 people worldwide to hold that distinction. His additional credentials include Certified Pommelier (American Cider Association), Certified Spirits Specialist (Society of Wine Educators), BJCP Certified Cider Judge, and BJCP Certified Mead Judge.
BEER COMPETITION
Sayre Piotrkowski
Since 2008, Sayre has been a defining voice in the Bay Area craft beer scene, moving between brewery, distributor, and retailer roles with the singular goal of elevating beer in quality and cultural standing. Sayre is a storyteller who connects beer to broader social and philosophical currents, treating it as a living artifact of human tradition. His award-winning insights have appeared in the San Francisco Chronicle, SFGate, Final Draft, GuildSomm International, Broke-Ass Stuart, The Good Beer Hunting Podcast and numerous radio broadcasts.
BEER COMPETITION
Anthony Raggio
Anthony serves as President of the Bay Area Brewers Guild, one of the most influential craft brewing associations in Northern California, representing the region’s vibrant and nationally respected beer community. In addition, he is a Director at Drake’s Brewing Company, a cornerstone of Bay Area craft beer culture known for quality-driven brewing, innovation, and community engagement since 1989. Through leadership in both industry advocacy and operational excellence, Anthony bridges the business, craft, and community sides of brewing.
BBQ COMPETITION
Tracy Allen
Tracy brings distinguished competition-level expertise and a respected legacy within the California BBQ Association to the BBQ & Brews judging panel. With years of leadership in one of the state’s most recognized competitive barbecue organizations, Tracy has helped advance the standards that define championship-level BBQ across California. Her deep knowledge of smoke profile, flavor balance, tenderness, and presentation precision, ensures that BBQ & Brews is not simply a festival cook-off, but a credible, evaluated showcase of craft barbecue.
BBQ COMPETITION
Ric Gilbert
Ric was inducted into the CBBQA Hall of Fame in recognition for his contributions to organizing BBQ events, educational efforts, individual accomplishments, and selfless dedication to charitable events that span more than a decade. Ric got his start in BBQ at the Pasa Tiempo California State BBQ Championship organized by Frank Boyer in late 1990’s. Ric helped grow the BBQ community in California through his dedication to charitable activities, and organization of BBQ classes, contests, and events. Ric’s contributions to the growth of BBQ in California cannot be understated.
