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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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”

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.

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.

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.

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.

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"

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.