Paraguay has been selected to host the 2028 Ancestral Barbecue World Championship, marking the first time the country will stage the international event. The capital, Asunción, is set to welcome approximately 80 teams and judges from around the globe. Organisers project the competition will attract more than 1,000 foreign visitors to the nation.
The successful bid was confirmed after Paraguay secured a significant majority of votes, surpassing rival candidatures from Brazil, Chile, and Bolivia. The country ultimately received 80% of the official support, which equated to eight out of twelve votes cast by the decision-making body.
What is the Ancestral Barbecue World Championship?
The Ancestral Barbecue World Championship (Campeonato Mundial de Asadores Ancestrales or Mundial de Asadores Ancestrales) is an international competition that celebrates traditional, pre-modern methods of cooking meat over open wood fire.
It emphasises cultural heritage and historical techniques from competitors’ home countries rather than contemporary American-style barbecue, like smokers, processed charcoal or gas. Allowed methods include roasting on a stake (asado a la estaca), cooking in buried pits, hanging meat on hooks, or using dry wood only.
Official announcement confirmed
The decision was officially communicated to Javier Ramírez, the acting Executive Secretary of Tourism, during a meeting with key figures from the sector. The delegation included representatives from the Paraguayan Barbecue Association (Asociación Paraguaya de Asadores) and the International Confederation of Ancestral Grillers and Barbecuers (CONFIAPA).
Edgar “Largo” Ibáñez, president of the Paraguayan Barbecue Association, expressed his confidence in the country’s readiness to host a world-class competition. He highlighted the nation’s existing capabilities and high-quality produce as key factors in the successful bid.
Confidence in national capabilities
“We have infrastructure, we have the best meat. We consider that we have all the requirements to hold a world championship”, said Edgar “Largo” Ibáñez, President of the Paraguayan Barbecue Association.
Beyond the competition itself, the championship presents a valuable opportunity to showcase Paraguay’s rich gastronomic culture. The event will allow international competitors and visitors to experience a culinary identity that extends far beyond the traditional barbecue grill.
A showcase of Paraguayan cuisine
Organisers intend to feature a variety of traditional Paraguayan foods as part of the event. This will provide a platform for dishes such as chipa guazú, a savoury cake made with corn, and sopa paraguaya, which, despite its name, is a type of dense cornbread.
In addition, other local staples like mandioca (cassava), artisanal sausages, and various traditional side dishes will be highlighted. This will offer a direct taste of the nation’s unique culinary heritage to a global audience.
Boost for tourism and industry
The event is also expected to generate a significant positive impact across several economic sectors. There is considerable potential for growth in tourism, as well as for producers, meatpacking plants, and other brands and companies connected to the national meat supply chain.
Also read: Triple Medal Triumph: Team BBQ Paraguay Shines At 2025 Intercontinental Barbecue Tournament.
