The recipe I used at the 2015 American Royal.  24th out 605 teams that turned in ribs.  Was less than 2 points out of the top 10.

Rub:
4 tsp Smoked paprika
2 tsp salt
1 tsp fresh ground black pepper
1 tsp cayenne
2 tsp Smokin' Guns Sweet Heat
1 tsp Oak Ridge Dominator
Grind all of the above to a fine powder in coffee or spice grinder. Should be enough to cover one, maybe two racks.

Sauce:
Wee Willy's Original Formula
(He was Grand Champion at the 2002 Jack so I figure it can't be too bad).
Or a sauce of your choosing.

Remove membrane from ribs.  Let the ribs warm to room temp before applying rub. Pat dry and apply rub. Let them sit for approximately 20 minutes to half hour to let the rub set before putting on the grill. Cook 2 hours at 260° (run at 260° for the entire cook).
While cooking prepare the following mixture: 2 tablespoons light brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of honey and 1 tablespoon organic apple juice. After 2 hours of cooking lay a bead of Blue Bonnet on the foil then the above mixture then place ribs meat side down on the mixture then seal the foil.
Cook in foil for another hour. Remove from foil and cook for another hour or so until ribs are done (internal temp is 200-205 between the bones or a toothpick goes thru easily or bend test or whatever method you use). Cut the ribs and apply sauce.

Al, I think you mean out of 617 teams, not 217.

Event: 36th Annual American Royal World Series of Barbeque- Open
Location: Kansas City, MO 64102
Date: 10/3/2015

Pork Ribs

1   GRILLS GONE WILD IOWA   180.0000

5   HONKY-TONK SMOKERS   178.3200

10   Twyford BBQ & Catering   177.1428

15   Mind If I Smoke?   176.5600

24   PELLETHEADS.COM   175.4400

600   Cline Cellars Ancient Vines   134.2288
601   BEER-B-QUE   133.0400
602   McGonigles Meatheads/Jayhawgs   132.5028
603   Burn Rate!   132.0116
604   INSANE BAR-B-QUE   116.3316
605   Smokin Bitewings   20.0000

If I had that kind of finish at ANYTHING, I'd still be talking about it.  I'd be so annoying.

If I had that kind of finish at ANYTHING, I'd still be talking about it.  I'd be so annoying.

Ditto.
Outstanding accomplishment, very nice.

Al, I think you mean out of 617 teams, not 217.

Thanks Kristin.. I fixed it.

And just to give an idea of the magnitude, here are some of the teams he beat!  If you know Competition BBQ, some of the names you will know...Even if you dont you will know some.

26   SWINE ASSASSINS   175.4172
33   JIGGY PIGGY   174.8572
38   SMOKIN GUNS BBQ   174.8456
46   BIG BOB GIBSON BAR-B-Q   174.2628
50   KOSMO'S Q   173.7028
51   ROOFTOP BBQ   173.7028
64   T-MAC SMOKIN   172.5600
80   HABITUAL SMOKERS   171.9772
93   FOUR MEN AND A PIG   171.4056
111   PORK PULLIN PLOWBOYS   170.8344
130   THESLABS.COM   169.7144
133   BURNT FINGER BBQ   169.7028
138   FAST EDDY'S BBQ   169.7028
172   WOODBROTHERS BBQ   168.5600

180   BIG POPPA SMOKERS   168.5372

188   SMOKE ON WHEELS   167.9772
212   3 EYZ BBQ   167.4056
234   LOOT N' BOOTY BBQ   166.8228
236   COOL SMOKE   166.8228            2 Time Winner American Royal
243   LOTTA BULL BBQ   166.2628     2 Time Winner American Royal
281   CANCERSUCKSCHICAGO.COM   164.5600
300   REDNECK SCIENTIFIC   163.4400
310   COOKSHACK   163.3944
335   CHIX, SWINE & BOVINE BBQ   162.8116
398   JERRY KING MIDLAND TX   160.5256

410   PELLET ENVY   159.3944

452   DIVA Q   156.5488          Had their own BBQ Show.
462   MOE CASON BBQ   155.9656   Did BBQ Commercials for Arby's.