Kevin Ortega is a dedicated social worker by profession and a passionate pitmaster by heart. When he’s not making a difference in his community, Kevin can be found perfecting the art of barbecue—grilling, smoking, and experimenting with flavors to create the ultimate culinary experience. His love for cooking has evolved into a craft, driving him to constantly refine his techniques and compete in BBQ competitions, where he continues to grow and showcase his skills.

Beyond competitions, Kevin shares his award-winning flavors through pop-ups and catering events, bringing people together with unforgettable food. For him, BBQ is more than just cooking, it’s a passion, a lifestyle, and a way to create the best version of every dish he serves.

Rob Conrado Jr. is the NorCal pitmaster behind StayRootedBBQ, a movement blending bold flavors and deep cultural roots. Raised in a Filipino-Mexican home, he learned early that food brings people together—igniting a lifelong passion for BBQ.

With encouragement from friends like Tone of TFTIBBQ, Rob turned his backyard cooks into a creative outlet, filming soulful, culture-driven dishes. Today, he’s built a loyal following by honoring tradition and pushing the boundaries of open-fire cooking.

Born in Albuquerque, raised in the Bay, and built on bold flavor and backyard smoke. Nick is the founder of Strongarm Bar and Grill and Big Unc BBQ Rubs, where every bite brings the heat and the love. He’s a husband to his high school sweetheart, dad to two teenage boys who eat like they’ve got a bottomless pit, and a firm believer that everything tastes better with Melinda’s on it — even breakfast.

Catch more of his flavor-fueled life at https://strongarmbarandgrill.com — come hungry.

Dan Correa is the heart and hands behind Papa Dan’s BBQ. Raised in Vallejo, California, his love for BBQ began 20 years ago cooking for family and friends. Encouraged by close friends, he took his passion to social media—and never looked back. Since then, Dan’s journey has taken him across the country, connecting with fellow BBQ lovers and sharing his flavor-packed style. For him, BBQ is all about connection.

Booyahsbbq is a backyard BBQ enthusiast with a love for sweet heat, flavor fusion, and epic sears. Known as the Lord of the Wings in some circles, Booyah specializes in chicken wings, steaks, and glizzies”

Nick aka Heatstroke is based in Northern California. He’s a girl dad, a husband, and someone who just loves hella good food. While cooking since a kid he didn’t start BBQing until 18 where he learned while tailgating at Raiders games in Oakland. Whether it’s the grill, smoker, griddle, or pizza oven he’s all in. He’s not a chef, just a dude who loves to cook and share flavors that he think you might like!

21-year Air Force Veteran bringing bold global flavors to the table. Inspired by travels around the world, I created sauces and seasonings that turn everyday meals into unforgettable experiences. With Blazing Star every bite is packed with flavor that makes you say Oh Yeah!

Tony Ramirez, aka @tfti.bbq, is a self-taught pitmaster blending Cajun and Filipino roots into bold backyard BBQ. Since 2021, his “That’s Money!” catchphrase and signature style have earned him brand collabs with Miller Lite, Yoder Smokers, Char-Griller, and Melinda’s. His award-winning Honey Money Wings inspired a Melinda’s recipe kit, and his cookbook Backyard BBQ with Fire and Spice shares his fusion approach with readers everywhere. Above all, Tony’s mission is simple: get people outside, grilling, and making unforgettable meals together.

Born and raised in Los Angeles, George Castillo found his love for barbecue at an early age watching his dad grill on a Weber Kettle during family camping trips and backyard cookouts. After losing his father at 13 and later relocating to Palmdale, grilling became more than just food—it became his escape.

Over time, that spark turned into a true passion. During the pandemic, George leaned deeper into BBQ, honing his craft and finding community in the smoke. Along the way, he’s built lasting friendships, had unforgettable experiences, and continues to celebrate the joy, flavor, and togetherness that live-fire cooking brings.

Matt Long, better known as Cabezon, was raised in the fire and flavor of Mexican culture, blending that heritage with American BBQ to craft a bold Sonoran-Southwest style all his own. He’s building his BBQ brand through catering and events with dreams of a future restaurant. A proud Blazing Star Cartel member and certified Melinda’s Chile Head, Matt is always pushing the limits of heat and flavor. Follow his journey at @cabezon_bbq and join him on the road to BBQ greatness!

Travis King is a Bay Area musician from Hayward, CA who gained significant recognition for his hit song "49er Faithful Official," a popular anthem for the San Francisco 49ers fan base. He originally created the song for fun and it went viral, eventually leading to a collaboration with Bay Area rap legend E-40 and licensing deals with the NFL, ESPN, Disney and Netflix. King is a devoted 49ers fan and a contemporary hip-hop artist who brings a unique perspective to the genre.

You can watch music video to see Travis King and E-40 performing "49er Faithful Official"

World Champion Pitmaster, Coach, and Speaker, Sunny Lynn Moody is a two-time World Champion in Steak and Live Fire Cooking, a Food Network personality, and BBQ expert who inspires through the healing power of fire and food. She partners with B&B Charcoal, Operation BBQ Relief, and Jack Daniel’s to support veterans and first responders. After overcoming a life-altering diagnosis and losing 80 pounds, she became a certified nutrition coach, blending health with BBQ. A single mother of four daughters who also compete, Sunny runs MoodSwing BBQ and Grilled Fit, offering catering, classes, and community experiences.

Born in Pittsburg, CA. Bay Area born and raised. A backyard BBQ’er and Heat Chaser, the hotter the better in my book. I’m a girl dad of two and a proud husband. I love sports, good tunes and I’m constantly looking for new movies to discover and new shows to binge. My favorite product from Melinda’s is definitely the Ghost Pepper Hot Honey, it brings the heat and keeps me coming back for more.

David “Chef Fig” Figueroa is the Co-Founder and President of Melinda’s, the family-run craft sauce company behind 41+ award-winning pepper sauces, condiments, and jellies. A New Orleans native with Belizean roots, Chef Fig brings a flavor-first philosophy to grilling, open-fire cooking, and global cuisine. As a pitmaster, entrepreneur, and culinary storyteller, he’s been featured in Food & Wine, The Takeout, Chowhound, and more. From backyard barbecues to big-league partnerships, Chef Fig lives by the mantra Set Your Mouth on Flavor, delivering flavor-forward fire every time.

All aboard the Flavortrain! Chuck Matto is a Bay Area pitmaster with a big appetite, a bigger personality, and a mission to turn every cookout into a party. From brisket and award-winning ribs to wild sausage creations and over-the-top wings, Chuck brings fire, flavor, and fun every time he lights the grill. With 3.7 million social followers and Food Network appearances, he’s taken his backyard passion to the big stage. What began with family and friends is now a movement of good vibes, bold eats, and unforgettable moments, one flavorful bite at a time.

Emari Stevens is a chef and creator carrying forward a legacy of creativity and cultural impact as the son of hip-hop legend E-40. Blending artistry with authenticity, he infuses every dish with boldness and originality. Known for fusing global inspiration with ingredient integrity, Stevens tells stories of heritage, heat, and flavor while pushing modern cooking forward. Whether at intimate gatherings or high-profile events, he delivers unforgettable experiences with precision, passion, and personality—honoring his roots while forging his own path.

Maciek, the creator of Grillin With Dad, turned a lifelong love of cooking into one of the most popular grilling platforms in the world. After moving from Poland to the U.S., he fell in love with the smoky magic of backyard barbecues. What began as a Father’s Day gift, a Big Green Egg, and a simple Instagram page quickly grew into a global community of millions who love his approachable, flavorful recipes. Today, Maciek shares easy, family-friendly grilling content, hosts live events, and has launched his own line of BBQ seasonings, all while inspiring people everywhere to fire up the grill and have fun cooking.

Mel Chmilar Jr., better known as the man behind Dark Side of the Grill, is Canada’s wildest pitmaster, instantly recognizable for his gold teeth and signature battle cry, “fire in the hole!” A Big Green Egg brand ambassador with his own line of Dark Side rubs, Mel has become one of the most recognizable names in Canadian barbecue content. He’s been a guest pitmaster at SmokeSlam, Meatstock, Smoke & Fire, and the Texas Open Fire Meat Up, while building a loyal following of over 650,000 fans across social media who can’t get enough of his larger-than-life presence and fiery cooking style.

Executive Chef Chris Binotto was born into a culinary family. As a teenager, he trained under James Beard Award Winner, Chef Jimmy Schmidt, and has since worked under Chef Graham Elliot, Iron Chef Morimoto, helping his kitchens win 2 Michelin Stars and a Forbes 5 Star Award along the way. Over the last five years, Chris has opened numerous kitchens across the country including House of Macau, Beetle House LA/NY/DC, and Karnevil, to name a few.

Chris is also currently the Executive Chef and owner of Embers & Ash, a Primal Cooking Experience in Southern California, has been published in various Cookbooks, and has recently filmed cooking shows for the Discovery Channel and Food Network, including Chopped and Chef Bobby Flay’s BBQ Brawl. Chris currently resides in Los Angeles, splitting his time between his Kitchens in NY & LA.

Dustin Green is Weber’s Head Grill Master and Director of the Weber Grill Academy, bringing decades of live-fire experience to grillers worldwide. A classically trained chef with more than 20 years in the restaurant industry, he honed his skills as Senior Executive Chef at the Weber Grill Restaurant before stepping into his leadership role.

A Weber Kettle historian and avid collector, Dustin’s love for barbecue started in the backyard with his father and grew into a global career. Today, he develops recipes, teaches techniques, and inspires everyone from backyard cooks to top chefs to unlock the full potential of their grills.