Competitions
Grand Championships
Appearances
Taught Nationwide
Whether you're cooking in your backyard or competing on the biggest stage, Richard Fergola will teach you the same techniques that have won over 40 Grand Championships.
Richard Fergola—known to many as “Fergie”—is a World Champion pitmaster, award-winning competitor, and one of the most sought-after BBQ instructors in the world. With over two decades of teaching experience and more than 140 barbecue classes taught across four continents, Richard has built a reputation for breaking down championship-level barbecue into simple, repeatable steps that anyone can master.
A former high school teacher and wrestling coach, Richard brings a unique approach to his classes—combining structured instruction with real-world competition knowledge. He doesn’t just teach recipes… he teaches why things work. From backyard basics to full KCBS competition techniques, his classes are designed to give you the confidence and skills to cook incredible barbecue every time you fire up the pit.
Richard has cooked over 250 competitions, earning more than 45 Grand and Reserve Grand Championships, along with multiple World Titles. His experience on the competition circuit translates directly into his teaching, where students get an unfiltered, “tell-all” look at the exact methods he uses to win.
Whether you’re a backyard enthusiast looking to impress friends and family or a competitor chasing your first call—or your next Grand Championship—Richard’s classes deliver real results.
What You’ll Learn:
• Proven techniques used in championship BBQ
• Flavor layering and seasoning strategies
• Fire management across different cookers
• Meat selection, trimming, and preparation
• Cooking timelines and execution
• Presentation and turn-in tips (for competitors)
Why Learn from Fergolicious BBQ?
Becausethis isn’t theory—it’s real barbecue, taught by someone who lives it every day.
From Kansas City to Australia, Costa Rica to your backyard…
Richard Fergola is helping pitmasters around the world cook better barbecue.
BBQ has been my passion for as long as I can remember. What started in my backyard has taken me to competition stages across the country and onto television. But the best part of the journey is getting to share what I've learned with you.
“Richard is the real deal. His classes are incredible and his rubs take my BBQ to a whole new level!”
— Jason H.
“I've taken two of his classes and won my first competition 3 weeks later. Can't recommend him enough!”
— Mike T.
“The best seasonings I've ever used. Consistent, bold flavor that wins competitions.”
— Sarah W.
