Brisbane butcher takes on World Butcher Wars, UK’s largest BBQ festival

A world-renowned butcher and World Butcher Challenge silver medallist from Moreton City is off to claim gold at the UK’s largest cooking festival.

Gary Thompson from The Squealing Pig at Burpengary Plaza will compete in the inaugural World Butcher Wars in July 2024. Picture: Contributed

A Moreton City butcher some say is one of the Australia’s best is one of 24 people chosen to battle it out for an inaugural world title.

Butcher Gary Thompson from The Squealing Pig at Burpengary Plaza will use his 40-plus years of butchering talent to compete for glory in the first-ever World Butcher Wars.

The event, being held at the Smoke and Fire Festival at Ascot Racecourse in Britain, is on from July 20-21.

Mr Thompson is one of 24 contestants from 18 countries vying for a win at the UK’s largest BBQ and cooking festival, which attracts a monster-sized crowd each year.

Mr Thompson has been working on his World Butcher Wars concept for months as he readied for the competition, keeping his design and strategy a close secret.

Gary Thompson from The Squealing Pig at Burpengary Plaza will compete in the inaugural World Butcher Wars in July 2024. Picture: Contributed

“I’ve played around with a fair few different ideas and I’ve gone back to the drawing board four times in the last two months,” Mr Thompson said.

“I’m confident I have now finalised my concept.

“When we compete, each butcher is allocated a saddle of pork and a side of lamb before we begin.

“In just 30 minutes, we have to turn that into a stunning showcase of as many products as possible, using a broad range of techniques and skills that work to our strengths.

“All competitors have to stay within a tightly allocated area, using only the bench, cavity and floor space we are assigned.

“Timing is a delicate balance because if you finish early, you probably have not put enough time or effort into what you have done in your products.

“The adrenaline will push me right to the finish, so knowing my own strengths is my key to success.”

A multiple award-winning butcher, Mr Thompson said the competition showcased the art of butchery on a global scale.

“As Australians we have an advantage because we can compete in five or six butcher competitions a year, whereas some international competitors may have only ever been in one or two,” he said.

The Squealing Pig owner Gary Thompson has been working on his World Butcher Wars concept for months. Picture: Aaron Goodwin

“I have been competing throughout Australia and New Zealand in Meatstock since 2018.

“I am a member of the Makani Australian butchery team going to Paris in 2025 to compete in the World Butcher Challenge (WBC).

“I was part of the WBC silver medal winning team in 2022, so I understand the intensity that comes with this level of pressure and performance.”

After opening the Squealing Pig in 2017, the shop was targeted by vegans and animal activists because of the shop’s name.

The Squealing Pig’s Facebook page was inundated with negative reviews, distressing photographs and videos and derogatory comments.

However, with huge customer support, Mr Thompson’s business has blossomed.

Burpengary Plaza Marketing Manager Donna O’Neill said the whole centre was behind him.

“We wish him all the best for his latest international competition and know how lucky we are to have his talents and skills on hand at The Squealing Pig every day,” Ms O’Neill said.