THE open fire meat up is THE LARGEST AND MOST POPULAR SOCIAL MEDIA BARBECUE INFLUENCERS & PITMASTERS EVENT

IN THE WORLD


If you love BBQ, fire, smoke, and unforgettable flavor, this was the day you didn’t want to miss.

The Open Fire Meat Up brought together more than 200 of the world’s top BBQ influencers and pitmasters, 26 Teams, 32 incredible sponsors, and over 2,500 attendees for a celebration like no other.

What unfolded was a true festival of the BBQ community:
 whole animals spinning over open flames, stacks of ribs and briskets sizzling across the ranch, ice-cold drinks, live music, and a nonstop energy that could only come from thousands of people who share the same passion for fire-cooked food.

More than an event, it became a once-a-year gathering of flavor, craft, and the people who make BBQ culture what it is today.

- ALL YOU CAN EAT - 

BUY TICKETS

2025 OPEN FIRE MEAT UP  WINNERS

People's Choice

PEOPLE'S CHOICE

PEOPLE'S CHOICE

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🏆 1ST PLACE - TEAM MELINDA'S /   RECIPE:  TKO Wings


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🥈 2ND PLACE - TEAM MIDWEST FRESH /   RECIPE:   Smoked Jalapeno Popper Smashburger


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🥉 3RD PLACE - TEAM ARGENTINA /  RECIPE:   Homemade chorizo a la Pomarola



Judge's Choice

JUDGE'S CHOICE

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🏆 1ST PLACE - GUATEMALA /   RECIPE: Porchetta al Fuego with Charred herbs Salsa


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🥈 2ND PLACE - TEAM ESPIRITU PARRILLERO /  RECIPE: Featuring the Carnivore Carnival 



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🥉 3RD PLACE - TEAM GERMANY /  RECIPE:  German Oktoberfest Pork

Kids Que

KIDS QUE

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🏆 1ST PLACE - Asher Niles / @thefatpastorjunior


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🥈 2ND PLACE - Bryson McGlyn /  @cookinwithcheesecurd



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🥉 3RD PLACE - Rae Barker / @thelilgringa

OPEN FIRE MEAT UP 2025 PHOTO GALLERY

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What People Say

When I started this thing back in 2020, I never imagined it would turn into this huge event.

 But here we are, bringing together the best Pitmasters and BBQ influencers from every corner of the country.  I'm so proud of this event and the spirit of supporting First Responders and Bettertment of our community. 

 Trust me, you don’t want to miss it!

@alfrugoni

Al Frugoni

On a rustic ranch surrounded by flames pitmasters from around the world gather every year to cook meat raise glasses and share stories on the bbq trail. This intimate and epic event is unlike any other with hands on experience and cooks that make the cover of magazines! You don’t want to miss this!

@darksideofthegrill

Mel Chmilar JR

I’ve been going to these Open Fire Meat Ups since the very beginning. Every year the event gets bigger and bigger. It’s an event I look forward to the most because this is the only event in Texas that I can hang out with some of biggest BBQ names in this industry. No egos just pure love and camaraderie. Some of which are my Best friends in my personal life. Doing what you love with some of the ones you love is the best thing ever!

@tfti.bbq

Tony Ramirez

Wonderful event  and great opportunity to meet with friends, share the passion of cooking and have so much fun!



@seattlebutcherswife

Misty Banchero

JOIN OUR TEAM!

If you are a Pitmaster or BBQ content creator, this is your chance join the OFMU Experience!


BE PART OF THE EVENT

About Al Frugoni

Al Frugoni  is an Argentinian pitmaster, open fire cooking expert, and the mastermind behind the Texas Open Fire Meat Up.

Born and raised in Argentina, where fire and meat are a way of life, Al has spent years perfecting the art of asado.

Based in Texas for the last 10 years, he’s on a mission to unite the bold barbecue traditions of Argentina and Texas into one unforgettable experience.

With nearly 3 million followers on social media, Al has become a global authority in open fire cooking.

His passion doesn’t stop at the flames—he’s also the founder of the Al Frugoni Brand, a line of Argentinean-style rubs and seasonings that bring authentic asado flavors to backyard barbecues everywhere.

In 2021, Al took his love for fire and community to the next level by creating the Texas Open Fire Meat Up, a one-of-a-kind event that celebrates fire, smoke, and the universal love for barbecue. What started as a small gathering of pitmasters and barbecue enthusiasts has grown into an annual destination for grillers, foodies, and fire lovers from around the world.  It’s not just an event—it’s a movement, bringing together the primal magic of open fire cooking with the creativity and camaraderie of the barbecue community.

Today, Al is recognized as a leading innovator in the culinary world, blending cultures, flavors, and techniques with every meal he cooks. Al Frugoni is all about sharing his love for the fire and inspiring the next generation of grillers.

"Open Fire is not a way of cooking, is a way of life"
Al Frugoni.

INTERESTED IN SPONSORING THE NEXT EVENT?

Contact Us!

📍The Barn, Quail Crossing Ranch

 877 Co Rd 540, Hondo, TX 78861, United States

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Got Questions? Contact Us. 

Info@openfiremeatup.com