Knoxville, it’s almost time! The Ultimate Bologna Showdown is making its return this May, and if you were there last year, you already know… this isn’t your average food event.

The third-annual Ultimate Bologna Showdown is set to be action-packed, possibly a little unpredictable at times, and a whole lot of fun!

If you missed it the first time around, consider this your official invitation to see what everyone’s been talking about.

Event Details: When, Where, & What Exactly?

The 2026 Ultimate Bologna Showdown is set for Saturday, May 9th, and it’s bringing some of the biggest names in competitive eating back to Knoxville, Tennessee — all competing for a $10,000 prize purse and the bragging rights that come with the title Ultimate Bologna Showdown Champion.

A Free Competition Worth Seeing Live…

This isn’t just a local contest — it’s a stop for some of the top-ranked eaters in the world. Names you’ve seen on national stages are coming to Knoxville, and they’re not planning to hold back on the bologna.

Watching it live is part of the experience. The speed, the strategy, the crowd’s reactions — this is a competitive event that hits differently in person. 

And the best part? It’s completely free to attend.

📍 Saturday, May 9th at the UTK RecSports Field Complex on Sutherland Ave

• Gates open at 11 AM
• Contest starts at 12 PM

Whether you’re planning to stay for the full competition or just swing by to catch the main event, this Knoxville event is an easy addition to any Saturday plans!

Brought to You by Local & National Partners

The 2026 Ultimate Bologna Showdown is powered by Elm Hill Meats, Major League Eating, Dead End BBQ, and Coca-Cola with media support from WVLT-TV Channel 8, bringing together local favorites and national names to make it another event for the books.

Quick Recap: About Last Year’s Event

If you attended last year’s event (or the year prior), you know this event lives up to the hype.

The last couple of years, crowds packed in early, local media outlets were on-site covering the action, and familiar faces from across the East Tennessee community showed up to be part of it. From longtime Dead End BBQ fans to first-time spectators, the energy carried all the way through the final round. 

And then there was the competition itself…

Joey Chestnut, the No. 1 ranked competitive eater in the world, took home the title both years, after putting down an unbelievable amount of bologna in just minutes (15 pounds last year, to be exact). It’s the kind of performance that’s hard to wrap your head around until you see it live.

What makes this year even more interesting? There’s always the chance that new records will be set. Chestnut could outdo his previous totals, other competitors could push past their personal bests — or someone new could step up and take the top spot.

Planning to Go This Year? Here’s What to Know

If you’re thinking about attending the Bologna Showdown this year, a little prep goes a long way.

Plan to arrive early for a good spot, bring a chair, and come ready to hang out for a bit. This is a laid-back, come-as-you-are kind of event where families, friend groups, BBQ fans, and curious first-timers are all welcome.

Find event details & updates on the Ultimate Bologna Showdown page: www.deadendbbq.com/ultimate-bologna-showdown

Lock in your plans for May 9th by heading over to the Facebook event to RSVP and see who else is going.

The countdown is officially on, Knoxville — we’ll see you out there!

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