I've only played in 2 BJ tournaments.
The Frontier 15 years ago. $300 buy-in. I played what I considered perfect stradegy and missed the money by 2 places.

Last year on a cruise ship, $50 buy-in, $500 in chips to start. 20 hands per round. Maximun bet $500. (not sure who wrote that stupid rule.) Looked like a no brainer to me. I bet $500 on the 1st hand and caught a snapper. Bet the minimum $10 bet the rest of the way. Only one guy could catch me on the last hand. He bets 1st. He bet $500, I bet $10. He caught a 16, and hit it with a 5. I had 18 and held. Dealer turned a 20. I got 2nd place.