FARGO — Aussom Aussie BBQ won the Critic’s Choice Award at Happy Harry’s RibFest this year.

The Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania,-based ribber earned points for its bold flavors and technique. The vendor took third place in 2024.

Judges based on appearance, tenderness and taste.

Australian native and business founder Paul MacKay told WDAY the secret to his sauce.

“That all goes back to traditional Australian barbecue was made with apple purée because tomatoes were too expensive at the time, and somehow that stuck,” MacKay said.

For the second year in a row, second place went to Blazin’ Bronco BBQ from Cleveland, Ohio. Last year’s winner, Carolina Rib King from Spartanburg, South Carolina, came in third place.

The four-day RibFest runs through Saturday at the Fargodome.

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