The Great Midwest Rib Fest World Rib-Eating Championship

Location: Prior Lake, MN
Date: 06-27-2026

Who do you think will win? Tell us!

Tweet to @eatingcontest

🎉Sign up now🎉

Smoke, Sauce, and Showdowns: The World Rib Eating Championship Kicks Off Summer in Style

Summer starts early this year, so bring your appetite. On June 27th, Mystic Lake Casino turns up the heat as the World Rib Eating Championship storms back into The Great Midwest Rib Fest. With a new spot on the calendar and the same larger-than-life energy, this is where barbecue bliss meets all-out competitive chaos.

Where Hunger Meets History
For twelve fast and furious minutes, the world’s elite eaters will take on racks of ribs in a no-holds-barred battle of speed, skill, and stamina. Defending champion James Webb returns after putting down a staggering 9.1 pounds last year, but the competition is closing in. The question isn’t just who’s hungry, it’s who’s ready to make history.

A Festival Built on Flavor
Celebrating it's 12th year, The Great Midwest Rib Fest has become a summertime staple, serving up award-winning barbecue, unforgettable moments, and a crowd that knows how to celebrate. In a year that nods to 250 years of American tradition, there’s something especially fitting about gathering around great food, great people, and a little friendly rivalry.

Get Ready for the Ultimate Rib Rush
This isn’t just an event, it’s an experience. Whether you're here for the competition, the craft barbecue, or the full-on festival atmosphere, there’s no better way to dive into summer. Expect big flavors, big personalities, and a whole lot of sauce.

Show up hungry. Leave amazed. And don’t miss your chance to see who rises to the top when the stakes—and the stacks of racks—have never been higher.

$4,000 Total Prize Purse
🥇 1st - $2,000
🥈 2nd - $1,000
🥉 3rd - $600
🏅 4th - $300
🏅 5th - $100

The contest will take place at 4:00 PM CT on Saturday, June 27th 2026, at The Great Midwest Rib Fest, held in the Dolan Lot at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel, 2400 Mystic Lake Blvd NW, Prior Lake, MN 55372!

ABOUT MYSTIC LAKE CASINO HOTEL®
Owned and operated by the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community, Mystic Lake Casino Hotel is the premier gaming facility in the Midwest. Mystic Lake® creates original and exciting entertainment experiences for its guests with gaming, distinctive bars and restaurants, indoor and outdoor concert venues, unique special events, and luxurious accommodations, all just 25 minutes southwest of Minneapolis/Saint Paul. In 2018, Mystic Lake opened Mystic Lake Center®, a new event space and hotel tower. Offering state-of-the-art technology, this 70,000-square-foot venue hosts groups of all sizes for conferences, expos, weddings and other events. With 766 new and renovated modern hotel rooms, Mystic Lake is one of the largest hotels in the Twin Cities area.

CLICK HERE to learn more about Mystic Lake

Also find Mystic Lake on Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube & LinkedIn

ABOUT THE GREAT MIDWEST RIB FEST®
The ribs are hot, the drinks are cold, and the music is free during The Great Midwest Rib Fest! Mystic Lake® is proud to host this three-day extravaganza filled with mouthwatering ribs and scrumptious sides from some of the top pitmasters in the country. But that's not all—there's also a star-studded lineup of free outdoor concerts to keep you entertained all weekend long. Don’t miss out on the ultimate summer festival, packed with fun, food and music!

CLICK HERE to learn more about The Great Midwest Rib Fest.

For news and results to all Major League Eating contests, like our FaceBook Page and follow @eatingcontest on Instagram & X

*All applicants must be 18 years of age or older and fully acknowledge and understand the inherent dangers and risks associated with participating in an eating contest. The applicant further acknowledges and understands that the MLE/IFOCE coordinates with event sponsor(s) to select and approve eligible participants, and that the MLE/IFOCE shall decide, at its sole discretion, whether an applicant is eligible to participate in any eating event, and/or related activities. The MLE/IFOCE may revoke an applicant's eligibility to participate in the eating contest, or related activities, at any time, for any reason, at its sole discretion. The MLE/IFOCE and the event sponsors reserve the right, at any time, to change any and all details concerning the event, including, e.g., time, duration, location and prize structure.