It started with 20 chefs, but now there is one brisket to rule them all. Hometown hero Aaron Franklin can now add another feather to his cap: James Beard Foundation Award winner.

Franklin was competing in the Best Chef: Southwest category against some Austin favorites. Previous winner David Bull of Congress made the semifinalist cut, while Barley Swine's Bryce Gilmore joined Franklin tonight in Chicago as a finalist. Gilmore was also a finalist in 2014.

According to live tweets from the event, Franklin was typically gracious in his acceptance speech, saying "On behalf of all the barbecue cooks before me and those to come: thank you."

We can't think of a better person to represent Austin and Texas barbecue.