From world titles at the Intercontinental BBQ Championships in Chile to making a positive impact around the globe, Wim Vink of Son en Breugel is barbecuing with a mission. As the representative and CEO of the World Barbecue Association (WBQA), and owner of Barbecueplein in Son en Breugel, Vink is currently in Chile for the Intercontinental BBQ Championships.
Sixty-two teams from 12 countries are taking part in the event, judged by an international panel of experts from 19 different nations.
The championships span two days.
Day one features the vegetarian, chicken, fish, and pork categories.
On day two, teams compete for the top spots in the beef, rabbit, and spareribs divisions. The new Latin World BBQ Champion is Brazil, followed by Paraguay in second place and Panama in third. The event took place at the horse racing track in Viña del Mar, Chile—a venue well suited for large-scale competitions and supported by the Chilean government.
During his visit, Vink also met with government representatives from Mexico and Brazil, who expressed interest in hosting similar events in their own countries. Such initiatives strengthen culinary traditions, promote tourism, and foster international cooperation. On average, participating teams extend their stay by five days, generating a significant boost for the local economy. Hotels across the region were fully booked.
“Friendships are born here, across borders. Everyone shares with each other—no one comes to take. Teams often save for an entire year to be able to attend,” says Vink. While some teams win and others lose, the essence of the event remains unchanged: Fire, Food, Friendship & Fun.
Beyond organizing international competitions, the World Barbecue Association is developing an initiative to combat food poverty, a program currently being tested in more than 30 countries. The organization hopes to officially launch it next year. “We may not be able to completely change the world,” Vink says, “but we can do our best, in our own way.”
Email: info@barbecueplein.nl
Website: www.barbecueplein.nl
