Secrets from Barbecue Master Myron Mixon

While Myron Mixon has found a place on Destination America's BBQ Pitmasters​, the man dubbed "the winningest man in barbecue" never had his eyes set on the small screen or on judging barbecue, for that matter.

The Georgia native learned to barbecue from his father out of necessity rather than hobby. "My dad had a barbecue business and my brother and I started helping him," says Mixon, who began grilling at 10 years old. "It wasn't because I wanted to learn how to do it, it was because he made us learn how to do it."

When his father passed away in 1996, Mixon first explored the competitive grilling circuit as a means of promoting the family's barbecue sauce. "My first contest was the same year my dad passed away, and I took a first place and a third place," explains the pitmaster. "I was hooked and from that day forward." Since, the all-star has won more than 200 grand championships including three world championships, 14 national titles and 35 state championships.

He first became involved with BBQ Pitmasters back in its first season when the show followed different barbecue competitors who were big on the circuit. For its second season though, the show had changed formats and brought on Mixon to judge. "I'd never judged barbecue before," he says. "As a judge, I think I'm a lot more forgiving and understanding with the competitors because I know how hard it is to do. I feel like I'm a fair judge but I always give the pitmaster the benefit of the doubt."

Whether as a competitor or a judge, Mixon hasn't lost sight of his passion for barbecue. "With very little effort you can turn out great food and you are doing it outside," he offers. "Especially at this time of year, there is nothing better than doing it outside."

Check out the slideshow above for secrets and insights from the grill master.