Reserve Grand Champion  ·  American Royal World Series of Barbecue 2023  ·  Minneapolis, Minnesota

I’m David. American Royal Reserve Grand Champion, 2023.


Some of the earliest memories I carry are of family cooking outside. Sauce on the stove. Relatives gathered close. When the grill or smoker was going, we knew it was going to be a good day.

Curiosity became discipline. I studied, took classes, asked questions and put in the work. That work led me to competition barbecue. And competition BBQ changed everything.

In 2023, I earned the Reserve Grand Champion title at the American Royal World Series of Barbecue, one of the largest BBQ competitions in the world. Getting there required years of serious study, respect for the process and a commitment to getting better that didn’t stop when the season did.

No matter where I compete, Minnesota is home. There are serious cooks here, unbound by stereotypes, who care deeply about the craft, the culture and raising the bar. I’m proud to stand among them.


Reserve Grand Champion

American Royal World Series of Barbecue · 2023

KCBS Circuit

100+ sanctioned events, 2016–present

Community & Service

Education, mentorship and showing up for the community.


What Machete Boys BBQ Stands For

The Work.

Share what I know. Raise the standard. Build something that lasts beyond the circuit.


Follow the Cook


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