3rd edition of Miller Lite BBQ Grilling Wars returns this weekend
More than 30 professional and amateur pitmaster teams will compete at the 3rd Annual Miller Lite BBQ Grilling Wars Festival on June 21 at Plaza de la Independencia, between the Roberto Clemente Coliseum and Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan.
“The Festival returns with a revamped formula that promises to compete globally,” organizers said in announcing the latest edition of what they call the Caribbean’s largest barbecue and smoked meats competition.
The event is produced by the Puerto Rico Culinary Events Conglomerate (Pricec) in collaboration with Imagenda Puerto Rico, which also organizes the Puerto Rico Pizza & Beer Fest.
“We’re excited to be able to hold a world-class event like the Miller Lite BBQ Grilling Wars for the third consecutive year and to be able to offer an experience of this magnitude to the Puerto Rican public and fans,” said Jaime Villamil, CEO of Imagenda and a Pricec board member. “Now it’s time to invest in resources and attributes that will allow us to compete with the largest BBQ competitions in the world.”
To support that goal, organizers have been in contact with the team behind the World Food Championships. The 2025 edition will feature a larger venue, more competitors and higher stakes. Prizes include cash awards, trips to U.S. culinary competitions and the title of “Best Pitmaster Team in Puerto Rico.”
From 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., the open-air festival will offer a variety of grilled and smoked dishes — including St. Louis ribs, pulled pork, brisket, steak, chicken and vegetarian options — with more than 4,000 guests expected to attend.
Entries will be judged by a panel of professional chefs, Texas barbecue experts and certified judges.
Omar Gamero, director of promotions at Imagenda and a Pricec member, said the team worked throughout the past year to elevate the event. He noted the addition of chef Ángel Antonio Muñoz, owner of Barbacoa Smokehouse and two-time runner-up in the steak and seafood categories at the World Food Championships.
“With this addition, we feel that chef Ángel Antonio will bring his experience and knowledge as chef, overseeing all quality control and competition rules,” Gamero said.
Organizers said the event is more than just a contest — it’s a family-oriented experience with entertainment, live music, for guests.
Organizers said the festival is designed as more than just a contest — it will include live music, entertainment, family-friendly attractions and “and additional surprises.”
