Bobby Flay, Maneet Chauhan & Brooke Williamson lead elite pitmasters in return of fiery competition series 'BBQ Brawl'

New season premieres Monday, May 11

Food Network press release

“BBQ Brawl” returns to Food Network on Monday, May 11 (9 p.m. ET/PT), with three superstar chefs leading a brand-new roster of 12 pitmasters in a fierce battle to win the title of “Master of ‘Cue.” Returning team captains Bobby Flay and Maneet Chauhan are joined at Star Hill Ranch this season by Brooke Williamson, who for the first time moves from “BBQ Brawl” judge to captain. Each chef leads their own team of talented “Brawlers” though a series of intense culinary challenges where judges Adrienne Cheatham, Rashad Jones and Carson Kressley will determine the most and least successful dishes. At the end of the nine-episode season, only one competitor can claim victory in their quest to become “Master of ‘Cue” and deliver bragging rights to their team captain. Episodes stream the next day on HBO Max.

“Barbecue season is here and this year’s ‘Brawlers’ are some of the best we’ve ever seen,” said Betsy Ayala, president of Food Network. “Having Brooke join Bobby and Maneet as team captains brings a whole new dynamic to the ranch – they are ultra-competitive and not afraid of a little good-natured trash talk.”

This season’s competitors are Dakari Akorede (Atlanta); Morgan Bolling (Boston); Chris Farella (Fort Lee, New Jersey); Raquel Fleetwood (Long Beach, California); Torrece “T” Gregoire (Bristol, Virginia); Vinny Mangual (Brooklyn); Edith Mattiuzzo (Udine, Italy); Tim McLaughlin (Dallas); Tung Nguyen (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma); Braunda Smith (San Antonio); Blake Stoker (Martin, Tennessee) and Bob Trudnak (Philadelphia).

In the supersized season premiere, Flay and last season’s winning coach Chauhan return to Star Hill Ranch in Austin, Texas, and, for the first time, Williamson rounds out the trio of captains. The three culinary masters welcome 12 new “Brawlers” who jump into the action immediately with a challenge to serve up their signature barbecue flavors in a bowl. At stake is a huge advantage: the winning competitor can choose their team captain. The heat is on as Flay, Chauhan and Williamson pick their teams and judges Cheatham, Jones and Kressley send one pitmaster home.

From grills and smokers to vertical fire and raw wood, these pitmasters are challenged each week to work with different fire elements and unexpected ingredients. In the finale on Monday, July 6, the three most successful “Brawlers” face an epic gauntlet of unknown ingredients where they must think on their feet and manage their time in a battle to be named “Master of ‘Cue” and make their captain proud.

For exclusive barbecue how-tos with Flay, Chauhan and Williamson, fans can check out Food Network's social platforms for new videos every week and join the conversation all season using #BBQBrawl. Viewers can also visit FoodNetwork.com to keep up with the competition and get to know the “Brawlers” fighting for the title of “Master of ‘Cue.”