Capital City Lake Murray Country announces that Steve Raichlen will emcee 2026 Southeastern BBQ Showdown

Lake Murray, SC 07/22/2025 - The Capital City/Lake Murray Country Regional Tourism Board (CCLMC) is proud to announce that Steven Raichlen, Barbecue Hall of Fame Inductee and bestselling author of “The Barbecue! Bible®” cookbook series, will be the event emcee for the 2026 Southeastern BBQ Showdown.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Steven Raichlen as the emcee for the 2026 Southeastern BBQ Showdown,” said Miriam Atria, President/CEO of CCLMC. “Steven is a true icon in the world of barbecue, and his passion for live-fire cooking, paired with his engaging presence, will elevate the Southeastern BBQ Showdown for competitors and fans alike. His involvement underscores our commitment to making this event a premier destination for barbecue lovers across the country.”

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Raichlen is a true authority on live-fire cooking and a trailblazer in modern barbecue culture. He has hosted multiple acclaimed television shows, including “Planet Barbecue®,” “Project Fire,” “Project Smoke,” “Primal Grill,” and “Barbecue University™.” He is the author of 33 books—translated into 17 languages—that have sold millions of copies worldwide and earned five James Beard Awards and three IACP Julia Child Awards. His groundbreaking book, “The Barbecue! Bible®,” won the International Association of Culinary Professionals’ Julia Child Cookbook Award and helped ignite a global grilling movement. His new book, Project Griddle: The Versatile Art of Grilling on a Flattop, is now available wherever books are sold. As an award-winning journalist, international TV host, and lecturer, Raichlen has shaped how the world thinks about barbecue. He has appeared on major media outlets such as “Oprah,” “The Today Show,” and “Fresh Air,” and once showcased his barbecue skills in a high-stakes culinary face-off on Japan’s “Iron Chef.” With his deep knowledge of global barbecue traditions and captivating storytelling, Raichlen brings an unparalleled level of expertise and entertainment to the 2026 Showdown.

In addition to his bestselling titles, including “How to Grill” and “Planet Barbecue®,” he’s the creative force behind international television programs such as “Le Maître du Grill” (France) and “Steven Raichlen Grills Italy” (Italy), further showcasing his expertise on a global stage.

Don’t miss the 2026 Southeastern BBQ Showdown taking place on April 24-25, 2026 at Gamecock Park in Columbia, South Carolina. Tickets will go on sale in the fall of 2025. To stay updated on the latest announcements, follow Southeastern BBQ Showdown on Facebook and Instagram, and visit SoutheasternBBQShowdown.com.