It's not easy being at judge at the Maryland State BBQ Bash.

You have to pace yourself so you don't get full before the final category—brisket—is served. You have to keep your scores covered so you don't influence your neighbors. And you have to—OK it actually looks like a lot of fun.

These men and women do go through a Kansas City Barbecue Society certification course, though. And the double-blind turn-ins ensure a fair competition. So it should come as no surprise that the grand champion for 2011 was Jack's Old South led by Myron Mixon.

The four categories judged in half-hour intervals beginning at noon are chicken, ribs, pork and brisket. More than 60 teams competed in the 10th annual event.