Ray "Dr. BBQ" Lampe

Ray Lampe grew up in Chicago and after high school spent 25 years in the family trucking business. In 2000, the trucking business had run its course, and it was time for Lampe to try something new. He had been participating in BBQ cook-offs as a hobby since 1982, so he decided to take a leap and turn his hobby into a career. In 2000, Lampe moved to Florida and began his career as an outdoor cooking expert.

Lampe is an expert judge/host on CBS Sports' "Ultimate BBQ Showdown" and an expert judge on the Food Network's "Tailgate Warriors with Guy Fieri." He has appeared on other shows such as "Best Thing I Ever Ate," "Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives," and "Fishing the Flats." His television presence further extended as he served as a judge and expert on "Tailgate Warriors w/ Guy Fieri" on The Food Network.

Lampe travels the country as the spokeschef for The Big Green Egg grill and smoker and is a spokesman for The National Pork Board. He has cooked in over 300 BBQ contests, winning numerous BBQ championships across the United States over the last 20+ years. His expertise has led to him being recognized as one of the country's leading authorities on BBQ, grilling, and tailgating.

Currently, Lampe is the Executive Chef at Southern Hospitality in New York City. He has authored four BBQ cookbooks: "The NFL Game Day Cookbook," "Dr. BBQ's Big-Time Barbecue Cookbook," "Dr. BBQ's Barbecue All Year Long," and "Dr. BBQ's Big Time Barbecue Road Trip." His continued influence and contributions to the BBQ community are well-documented, affirming his status as a respected figure in the culinary world.