Barbecue teams from around the world are preparing to smoke, season and sear their way for a chance to be named the Grand Champion at the 28th annual Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational Barbecue in historic Lynchburg on Saturday, Oct. 22. Judges and more than 25,000 fans will join competitive BBQ’s best of the best as they compete for the coveted title of Grand Champion in what some consider the world’s most prestigious barbecue competition.Teams from the United States and international teams from as far away as Australia, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Germany, Italy, Poland and South Africa will compete in seven categories – Pork Ribs, Pork Shoulder/Butts, Beef Brisket, Chicken, Dessert, Cook’s Choice and Jack Daniel’s Sauce.Famous for its world-renowned Tennessee whiskey, Lynchburg is home to Jack Daniel Distillery, America’s first registered distillery which is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year. But each year on the fourth Saturday of October, a small town tucked in the rolling hills of southern Middle Tennessee turns into the BBQ capital of the world, attracting teams from all 50 states and around the globe.To qualify, domestic teams must have won a state championship with a minimum of 25 competing teams, or a competition with more than 50 teams battling in the categories of Pork Ribs, Pork Butts, Chicken and Beef Brisket.