November 12–15 | Brenham, Texas
What happens when you bring together some of the best Wagyu ranchers in North America, a serious steak competition, cattle shows, live cooking demonstrations, and a whole bunch of people who love great beef? You get Wagyu Zenkyo North America 2026, happening November 12–15 in Brenham, Texas. And here’s the best part: this event isn’t just for people in the Wagyu industry. It’s for anyone who wants to learn more about Wagyu beef, meet the ranchers raising it, and, most importantly, taste some incredible steaks.
We recently sat down with Russ Hobbs of Rebel Wagyu, one of the people helping bring this event together, to talk about what makes it special, why it matters for American Wagyu, and what everyone can expect when they show up in Texas.
And yes, The Meat Dudes will be there!
Bringing the Wagyu Zenkyo Experience to North America
In Japan, the Wagyu Zenkyo is often referred to as the Wagyu Olympics. Held every five years, it’s an opportunity to showcase the genetics, breeding programs, and incredible quality of Japanese Wagyu cattle.
So why not bring some of that excitement to North America?
That’s exactly the idea behind Wagyu Zenkyo North America 2026.
As Russ explained during our conversation, Wagyu is much more than beautiful marbling and expensive steaks. It’s a breed with incredible genetic diversity, and American ranchers are doing some amazing things with it.
The event brings together Japanese Black Wagyu, Akaushi (Japanese Brown), percentage Wagyu, and other registered Wagyu cattle to showcase the full spectrum of what this breed has to offer.
And if you’ve followed The Meat Dudes for any amount of time, you know how much we love talking about that spectrum.
There’s no single Wagyu experience. Different genetics, ranching practices, feeding programs, and environments produce different flavors, textures, and eating experiences.
That’s what makes exploring Wagyu beef so much fun.
The Wagyu Steak Competition: Who Has the Best Beef?
Now we’re talking.
One of the events we’re most excited about is the Wagyu steak competition, and Russ is encouraging ranchers from all over North America to get involved.
This isn’t simply a contest to see who can produce the most marbled steak. It’s about something we believe matters even more:
FLAVOR.
The competition will evaluate Wagyu steaks based on characteristics including flavor, tenderness, texture, and overall eating enjoyment.
And they’re taking the judging process seriously.
Rather than asking ranchers to submit individual steaks of different shapes and thicknesses, organizers are requesting whole boneless strip loins. The steaks will be cut, portioned, and cooked using standardized procedures to create a consistent judging experience.
Entries will be identified anonymously so judges can focus on what’s on the plate, not whose ranch it came from.
We love this approach.
We’ve tasted Wagyu beef from ranches all over the country while building The Meat Dudes Approved Wagyu Map, and one thing we’ve learned is that more marbling doesn’t automatically mean a better eating experience.
Sometimes you want that incredibly rich, buttery Fullblood Wagyu. Other times, a beautifully balanced F1 cross or a flavorful Akaushi steak might be exactly what you’re craving.
The goal is to celebrate those differences, not pretend every great steak needs to taste the same. And Yes, There Are Cash Prizes!
Here’s something that should get the attention of Wagyu producers everywhere.
The Wagyu Zenkyo steak competition is offering cash prizes for Champion and Reserve Champion winners!
Russ explained that the prize payouts will depend on the number of entries, so the more ranchers who participate, the bigger the potential payouts.
There will also be recognition for top-performing entries, including an overall champion.
If you’re a Wagyu rancher who’s proud of the beef you’re producing, this is an opportunity to put it up against some of the best in the country.
Want to enter your Wagyu beef?
Russ is asking producers to submit a whole boneless strip loin, NAMP/IMPS 180, rather than individual steaks. Organizers will handle the cutting and standardized preparation.
During our podcast, Russ requested that entries arrive by approximately November 1, with shipping coordinated through Booth Creek Wagyu in Southlake, Texas.
Before shipping anything, contact Russ to confirm entry requirements, deadlines, and delivery instructions.
Cattle Shows, Ultrasound Competitions, and the Science Behind Wagyu
Of course, Wagyu Zenkyo North America 2026 isn’t just about what ends up on the dinner plate.
It’s also about the animals, the ranchers, and the science behind producing exceptional Wagyu beef.
The event includes cattle shows featuring different Wagyu breeds and genetic percentages, giving breeders an opportunity to showcase their programs.
One particularly interesting part of our conversation with Russ was the live-animal ultrasound competition.
Using ultrasound technology, producers can collect measurements related to ribeye area, fat thickness, and intramuscular fat.
Why does that matter?
Because two cattle can look remarkably similar on the outside while having very different characteristics underneath.
For ranchers, these measurements provide valuable information they can use to evaluate their breeding programs and make decisions about future generations.
And for those who don’t have halter-trained show cattle, Russ explained that there are still ways to participate, including pen shows and ultrasound evaluations.
It’s a great opportunity to learn more about the science behind Wagyu, not just admire the finished steak.
The Next Generation of Wagyu Ranchers
One of our favorite parts of the conversation was hearing Russ talk about the importance of getting kids involved.
The event includes junior cattle shows and youth showmanship competitions, giving younger ranchers a chance to learn, compete, and develop a deeper appreciation for raising Wagyu cattle.
Russ talked about bringing his own family to the event and how much his kids enjoyed the experience.
That’s a big part of what makes events like this important.
The future of American Wagyu depends on the next generation of ranchers learning the skills, science, and dedication required to raise exceptional cattle.
And it’s pretty cool watching those kids take pride in what they’ve accomplished.
You Don’t Have to Be a Rancher to Attend!
This might be the most important thing we want people to understand.
Wagyu Zenkyo North America is open to the general public, not just the Wagyu industry.
If you’ve never raised a cow, don’t know the difference between Akaushi and Japanese Black Wagyu, or have only tried Wagyu beef once, this event is absolutely for you.
There will be opportunities to meet ranchers, see the cattle, learn about Wagyu genetics, watch cooking demonstrations, and taste Wagyu beef from different producers.
Russ also talked about food trucks, live music, a beer garden, and a Saturday evening celebration with awards and Wagyu beef.
It’s a family-friendly event built around education, community, and some seriously good food.
Friday and Saturday, November 13–14, are the two big days Russ recommends for the general public, with cattle shows, competitions, and Saturday evening festivities.
Some meals and special activities may require separate tickets, so check the official event information before attending.
The Meat Dudes Are Heading to Texas!
We’re excited to be part of this year’s event.
The Meat Dudes will be at Wagyu Zenkyo North America cooking Wagyu beef, helping judge, and educating people about what makes this breed so special.
One of the coolest ideas Russ shared is that attendees will have the opportunity to taste Wagyu beef from the strip loins submitted for the steak competition.
Think about that.
You’ll get to experience different Wagyu producers, compare the flavors, and discover what you actually enjoy.
Maybe you’re an Akaushi person. Maybe you love a Fullblood Japanese Black steak. Or maybe an F1 cross is your perfect balance of beefiness, tenderness, and marbling.
There’s no wrong answer.
This is exactly what we’re trying to accomplish with The Meat Dudes Approved Wagyu Map: make Wagyu beef more approachable, introduce people to incredible ranchers, and give everyone the confidence to explore and cook Wagyu at home.
We spend a lot of time talking about Wagyu beef, cooking it, tasting it, and meeting the people raising it. Getting everyone together in one place to celebrate those differences is something we’re genuinely excited about.
If you’re coming to the event, please find us and say hello. We’d love to meet you, talk Wagyu, and probably eat a few steaks together.
Wagyu Zenkyo North America 2026: Event Details and How to Enter
Event: Wagyu Zenkyo North America 2026
Dates: November 12–15, 2026
Location: Brenham, Texas — Washington County Fairgrounds area
Best days for the general public: Friday, November 13, and Saturday, November 14
Wagyu Associations Attending and Sponsoring: American Wagyu Association , American Akaushi Association , Texas Wagyu Association
Event website: Wagyu Zenkyo North America — confirm current event details and registration information before attending.
Facebook: Search for North American Wagyu Zenkyo for event updates.
Steak contest and cattle competition contact:
Russ Hobbs — Rebel Wagyu
Phone/Text: 318-547-3226
Website: rebelwagyu.com
If you’re interested in submitting a steak, entering cattle, participating in the ultrasound competition, or simply learning more about the event, Russ encouraged everyone to reach out directly.
Steak contest reminder: Whole boneless strip loin (NAMP/IMPS 180) requested. Russ mentioned an approximate November 1 arrival deadline. Confirm all requirements and shipping details with him before sending your entry.
Whether you’re a Wagyu rancher, a chef, a beef enthusiast, or someone who’s simply curious about what makes Wagyu special, we hope to see you in Texas.
Come meet the ranchers. Come learn something new. And definitely come hungry.
WAGYU, It’s just better beef.
