Bobby Flay is bringing back “BBQ Brawl” with a major format shakeup for season 7.
The new season of “BBQ Brawl” premieres Monday, May 11, on Food Network and will feature a new role for Brooke Williamson.
After serving as a judge for several seasons, Williamson is moving into the competition as a team captain alongside Flay and Maneet Chauhan.
The season will once again take place at Star Hill Ranch in Austin, Texas, where 12 pitmasters will compete across nine episodes for the title of “Master of ‘Cue.”
Returning judge Carson Kressley will be joined this season by Adrienne Cheatham and season 3 winner Rashad Jones.
Bobby Flay Explains Brooke Williamson’s New ‘BBQ Brawl’ Role
Flay first revealed Williamson’s new role earlier this year while speaking with People at the South Beach Wine & Food Festival.
“Brooke has been a judge since almost the beginning, the second season, and she’s always wanted to be one of the mentors and cook on the show, and there was never sort of an opportunity for that,” Flay explained.
The longtime Food Network star said things changed after the pair began dating in March 2025.
“But now, our rule between us is that we can’t judge each other, because how can we judge each other?” Flay continued. “We can compete against each other in kind of friendly ways.”
He added, “She’s becoming one of the captains on BBQ Brawl, so I have to actually compete against her. And she, as you might imagine, is very competitive, so she’s tough to beat.”
Like season 6, the season 7 premiere will feature an opening challenge where contestants create dishes showcasing their signature barbecue style in a bowl.
The winner of that challenge will get to choose their team captain before Flay, Williamson, and Chauhan draft their teams.
“We always want to be that person because everybody has an ego,” Flay previously told People about the twist introduced last season. “And so it kind of got turned around on us for a second, which I actually liked.”
‘BBQ Brawl’ Season 7 Cast Features Pitmasters From Across the Country
Season 7’s competitors include pitmasters and chefs from across the United States — and beyond.
According to The Food Network, contestants this season include Dakari Akorede from Atlanta, Morgan Bolling from Boston, Chris Farella from New Jersey, Raquel Fleetwood from California, Torrece “T” Gregoire from Virginia, Vinny Mangual from Brooklyn, Edith Mattiuzzo from Italy, Tim McLaughlin from Dallas, Tung Nguyen from Oklahoma City, Braunda Smith from San Antonio, Blake Stoker from Tennessee, and Bob Trudnak from Philadelphia.
Several contestants shared personal reasons for wanting to win the competition.
Akorede, who rebuilt his barbecue career after losing everything during Hurricane Ida, said, “I want to win this for my son Dylan. He’s 4, and I want him to see that coming from the bottom, you can make it back.”
Mangual also spoke about the importance of family.
“Being named Master of ‘Cue would be the best thing that could happen for me and my family,” Mangual said. “To win something in front of your kid, especially something that you commit your whole life to, that means a lot.”
Meanwhile, Mattiuzzo said she hopes to bring a global perspective to the competition.
“I’ve come here, of course, to bring fresh new flavors, a fresh new attitude,” she said. “I’m ready to be Master of ‘Cue.”
“BBQ Brawl” season 7 premieres Monday, May 11, at 9 p.m. ET/PT on Food Network and will stream the following day on HBO Max.
