Meat Fight® got its start in Alice Laussade’s backyard after her brother was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and she wanted to raise funds to fight the disease. Now, Meat Fight has outgrown Laussade’s backyard. By a lot. The 15th annual Meat Fight will take place Nov. 9 at Dallas Youth Sports. The event is for adults 21+ and all proceeds go to research and programs that benefit people living with MS.

In the main event, 16 chefs will compete in categories including brisket, sausage, chicken, and a wild card, all judged by famed Texas barbecue experts. They’ll pair up in teams of four led by Meat Fight captains David Peña (Fortunate Son), Eduardo Osorio (Meridian), Danyele McPherson (“Top Chef,” Leela’s Wine Bar) and Jeramie Robison (The Thompson Dallas). Participating chefs include David Uygur (Lucia), Omar Flores (Maroma), Misti Norris (Far Out) and Rhonda McCullar (Uchi).

In the Sideshow, four restaurants will compete to see who can make the best sides. Fred’s Texas Café, Loro Asian Smokehouse & Bar, Resident Taqueria and Café Momentum are the contenders. For those who need a break from the bbq, there’s always the Shame Salad from Garden Café – it’s delicious, but this is a meat event after all. Beer and bevs are included with entry. providers include Vector Brewing, Four Corners Brewing Co., Lockwood Distilling Co., Noble Coyote Coffee Roasters and more. And for dessert, Sweet Fight will pit Humble Pies, Haute Sweets Patisserie, Empire Baking Co. and La Casita against each other in a competition to make the Best. Cookie. Ever.

When you’re not chowing down, hit the Meat Midway, with lots of games and great prizes. Back by popular demand is the Human Claw Machine, where you can claw your way to VIP tickets to the next Meat Fight, dinner for two at your favorite restaurant, or a classic state fair midway giant stuffed animal.

Fancy VIP ticketholders get an hour’s head start on all the meat action, plus bites from Easy Slider and a cocktail from Lockwood Distilling Co. They’ll also get a special area with a dedicated bar.