It takes a while for a WSM or any pit to develop the right aroma and bark/gunk on the sides and dome. I wouldn't recommend you enter a contest with a new pit. I season my new pits by cooking bacon strips or scrap pieces of meat (e.g. pork trimmings) to generate oil vapors, smoke, and grease to coat the inside. I think it takes at least 10 cooks for a WSM to develop the right "seasoning" for consistent flavor. Whatever you do, never cook hot dogs or fish in your WSM that you use to cook ribs, chicken, pork or brisket. Get a separate Weber kettle for hot dogs, hamburgers, fish, lamb, etc.