How three brain surgeries led to winning at barbecue fest
Thirteen-year-old Jacey "BBQ Bugsy" Blurton reacts to winning the Patio Porker section of the Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest May 16, 2026. (Patrick Lantrip/The Daily Memphian)
Winning pitmaster Jacey Blurton, 13, began manning the grill five years old, taking up barbecue after three surgeries left her with limited mobility.
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Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking ContestSophia Surrett
Sophia Surrett is a University of Alabama graduate, where she received her B.A. in news media and M.A. in journalism and media studies. She has been with The Daily Memphian since July 2023, first starting as a business reporter covering various beats. Now, she covers food, restaurants, and hospitality and tourism.
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