The world of competitive eating is one that is fascinating to us mere mortals who cannot possibly down that many hot dogs. The goal of the sport, and yes - it is a sport! - is to eat as many of the selected food item as possible in the allotted time that everyone gets. The prizes for winning food eating competitions are much more than bragging rights, but range from cash to ridiculous vacations. Competitive eating is huge in the United States, Canada, and especially in Japan where in these countries it is an organized professional setting. There is nothing cute about the way these people down their food but they do so with a strategy in mind and make it their mission to be a winner. The records these men and women have broken are mind-boggling, some eating 50 hot dogs in one sitting, others smashing Twinkies, pasta plates, and giant pizza pies to get their name down in the Guinness Book of World Records.
The world of competitive eating is one that is fascinating to us mere mortals who cannot possibly down that many hot dogs. The goal of the sport, and yes - it is a sport! - is to eat as many of the selected food item as possible in the allotted time that everyone gets. The prizes for winning food eating competitions are much more than bragging rights, but range from cash to ridiculous vacations. Competitive eating is huge in the United States, Canada, and especially in Japan where in these countries it is an organized professional setting. There is nothing cute about the way these people down their food but they do so with a strategy in mind and make it their mission to be a winner. The records these men and women have broken are mind-boggling, some eating 50 hot dogs in one sitting, others smashing Twinkies, pasta plates, and giant pizza pies to get their name down in the Guinness Book of World Records.
Takeru Kobayashi (2001–present) Takeru Kobayashi (2001–present)
Takeru holds a large number of records in the competitive eating space. The Japanese-born competitive eater holds the Guinness World Record for eating tacos, Twinkies, hot dogs, ice cream, pizza, and pasta - to name a few. His nickname is "The Godfather of Competitive Eating" for crying out loud. He has won the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest six times over and is showing no sign of slowing down. What is more incredible is that this 5 foot 8 inches tall man is slender! Where does it all go?
Takeru holds a large number of records in the competitive eating space. The Japanese-born competitive eater holds the Guinness World Record for eating tacos, Twinkies, hot dogs, ice cream, pizza, and pasta - to name a few. His nickname is "The Godfather of Competitive Eating" for crying out loud. He has won the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest six times over and is showing no sign of slowing down. What is more incredible is that this 5 foot 8 inches tall man is slender! Where does it all go?
Patrick Bertoletti (2007–present)
Patrick Bertoletti (2007–present)
Patrick "Deep Dish" Bertoletti got his name for his love of all things pizza. The Chicago native makes quite a dent in any dish that is put in front of him. Every year since he started eating competitively in 2007, he has won an eating honor. He was the first person to ever finish the Sasquatch Burger Contest at Bigfoot Lodge Cafe - that is finishing a 4 pound burger patty in 11 minutes and 5 seconds. In 2009 he won the title of world poutine eating champion, and in 2015 he won the 2015 Wing Bowl where he ate 444 wings in 26 minutes. Patrick "Deep Dish" Bertoletti got his name for his love of all things pizza.
The Chicago native makes quite a dent in any dish that is put in front of him. Every year since he started eating competitively in 2007, he has won an eating honor. He was the first person to ever finish the Sasquatch Burger Contest at Bigfoot Lodge Cafe - that is finishing a 4 pound burger patty in 11 minutes and 5 seconds. In 2009 he won the title of world poutine eating champion, and in 2015 he won the 2015 Wing Bowl where he ate 444 wings in 26 minutes.
Joey Chestnut (2005–present) Joey Chestnut (2005–present)
Joey is currently ranked as number one in the world by Major League Eating. Joey was the one to end Takeru's winning streak at the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest when he won't it in 2007. He continued to win the title until 2015 where he lost to Matt Stonie. In 2016, however, he regained his title by eating 70 hot dogs, and in 2017 winning again by eating 72 hot dogs. Joey is currently ranked as number one in the world by Major League Eating.
Joey was the one to end Takeru's winning streak at the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest when he won't it in 2007. He continued to win the title until 2015 where he lost to Matt Stonie. In 2016, however, he regained his title by eating 70 hot dogs, and in 2017 winning again by eating 72 hot dogs.
Bob Shoudt (1997–present) Bob Shoudt (1997–present)
Bob, also known as "Humble Bob" and "Notorious B.O.B." won the Wing Bowl 25 by eating no less than 409 wings in total. He also holds the record for the largest amount of food ever consumed by weight or volume when he ate 23.4 pounds (or 312 fluid ounces) of Salmon Chowder in under 6 minutes. He is also known as the oldest person to eat their age in hot dogs during Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest back in 2012 when he was 45. Bob, also known as "Humble Bob" and "Notorious B.O.B." won the Wing Bowl 25 by eating no less than 409 wings in total.
He also holds the record for the largest amount of food ever consumed by weight or volume when he ate 23.4 pounds (or 312 fluid ounces) of Salmon Chowder in under 6 minutes. He is also known as the oldest person to eat their age in hot dogs during Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest back in 2012 when he was 45.
Jesse Pynnönen (2013-present) Jesse Pynnönen (2013-present)
Give this dude a challenge and he will take it. Jesse Pynnönen is a YouTube competitive eater with a following of over 130K subscribers to his channel. His social media channels are filled with him eating his way through ice cream pint after ice cream pint, with the occasional giant burger challenge in there as well. He likes a culinary challenge and will make sure it is in front of a camera when he decides to smash it. Give this dude a challenge and he will take it.
Jesse Pynnönen is a YouTube competitive eater with a following of over 130K subscribers to his channel. His social media channels are filled with him eating his way through ice cream pint after ice cream pint, with the occasional giant burger challenge in there as well. He likes a culinary challenge and will make sure it is in front of a camera when he decides to smash it.
Molly Schuyler (2012–present) Molly Schuyler (2012–present)
Molly is one of the few women in competitive eating. She is currently signed with All Pro Eating, a competitive eating organization. The Nebraska-born eater was the first woman to ever finish the Stellanator, a good challenge at Stella's Bar in Nebraska. Her most recent achievements are her 2017 win in a corn dog eating contest where she ate 37 corn dogs at the California State Fair. In 2018, Molly won Wing Bowl 26 where she ate 501 wings!
Molly is one of the few women in competitive eating. She is currently signed with All Pro Eating, a competitive eating organization. The Nebraska-born eater was the first woman to ever finish the Stellanator, a good challenge at Stella's Bar in Nebraska. Her most recent achievements are her 2017 win in a corn dog eating contest where she ate 37 corn dogs at the California State Fair. In 2018, Molly won Wing Bowl 26 where she ate 501 wings!
Furious Pete (2004–present) Furious Pete (2004–present)
Finally, a Canadian! Peter Czerwinski, also known and loved as Furious Pete, is both a competitive eater and a YouTube personality. He has been a part of over 90 competitive eating competitions, winning and holding 14 Guinness World Records. He has eaten a whole onion in 43.53 seconds, 15 hamburgers in 10 minutes, 17 bananas in 2 minutes, and participated in Canada's Got Talent where he showed the audience what it looks like to eat five hard boiled eggs, three pieces of Canadian bacon, two bananas, and a whole bag of milk in just 51 seconds. Finally, a Canadian!
Peter Czerwinski, also known and loved as Furious Pete, is both a competitive eater and a YouTube personality. He has been a part of over 90 competitive eating competitions, winning and holding 14 Guinness World Records. He has eaten a whole onion in 43.53 seconds, 15 hamburgers in 10 minutes, 17 bananas in 2 minutes, and participated in Canada's Got Talent where he showed the audience what it looks like to eat five hard boiled eggs, three pieces of Canadian bacon, two bananas, and a whole bag of milk in just 51 seconds.
Matt Stonie (2009–present) Matt Stonie (2009–present)
Matt Stonie, also known as Megatoad for a nickname, is also a YouTube star thanks to his competitive eating gig. He is currently ranked at number three by Major League Eating. He has a whopping 8.8 million subscribers on YouTube, where people follow along his eating escapades. His first win was in 2010 in a lobster roll eating contest, followed by winning the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest in 2015 by chowing down on 62 hot dogs and dethroning the 8-time champion, Joey Chestnut. Matt Stonie, also known as Megatoad for a nickname, is also a YouTube star thanks to his competitive eating gig.
He is currently ranked at number three by Major League Eating. He has a whopping 8.8 million subscribers on YouTube, where people follow along his eating escapades. His first win was in 2010 in a lobster roll eating contest, followed by winning the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest in 2015 by chowing down on 62 hot dogs and dethroning the 8-time champion, Joey Chestnut.
Crazy Legs Conti (2002–present) Crazy Legs Conti (2002–present)
Conti eats it all. In 2007 he was a part of a french fry eating contest, his first win being after eating 400 oysters over Super Bowl weekend in 2002. Conti takes his competitive eating seriously and studies his competitions and their eating methods. He studies Takeru and Eric Booker to try and beat the best. In 2004 he was in a documentary about competitive eating called Crazy Legs Conti: Zen and the Art of Competitive Eating. Conti eats it all.
In 2007 he was a part of a french fry eating contest, his first win being after eating 400 oysters over Super Bowl weekend in 2002. Conti takes his competitive eating seriously and studies his competitions and their eating methods. He studies Takeru and Eric Booker to try and beat the best. In 2004 he was in a documentary about competitive eating called Crazy Legs Conti: Zen and the Art of Competitive Eating.
Tim Janus (2004–2016) Tim Janus (2004–2016)
Tim is one of the only eaters on here who is retired from the game. He was known as "Eater X" when he was eating competitively. He said, "I'd eat anything. One of my goals in life is to eat everything in the world at least once. I'd eat a roll of pennies if I thought I could set a world record. Some day I hope we make contact with beings from other planets. I'd love to eat alien." Tim is one of the only eaters on here who is retired from the game.
He was known as "Eater X" when he was eating competitively. He said, "I'd eat anything. One of my goals in life is to eat everything in the world at least once. I'd eat a roll of pennies if I thought I could set a world record. Some day I hope we make contact with beings from other planets. I'd love to eat alien."
Rich LeFevre (2002–present) Rich LeFevre (2002–present)
Rich is one of the oldest individuals in the competitive eating world. His wife, Carlene, says that they are the First Family of Competitive Eating. Carlene is also a competitive eater and together they took up two of the top seven spots at the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest from 2003 through 2005. His records include 12 corn dogs in 10 minutes, 6 pounds of Spam in 12 minutes, 247 jalapeños in 8 minutes, and 30 rolls in 12 minutes. Rich is one of the oldest individuals in the competitive eating world.
His wife, Carlene, says that they are the First Family of Competitive Eating. Carlene is also a competitive eater and together they took up two of the top seven spots at the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest from 2003 through 2005. His records include 12 corn dogs in 10 minutes, 6 pounds of Spam in 12 minutes, 247 jalapeños in 8 minutes, and 30 rolls in 12 minutes.
Edward "Cookie" Jarvis (2001-2006) Edward "Cookie" Jarvis (2001-2006)
Cookie as we know and love him is a competitive eater on the side and a real estate agent on the regular. He became a competitive eater back in 2001 when he was 365 pounds, and retired in 2006 at a peak weight of 525 pounds! Cookie has been on television more than most, appearing in 31 shows such as The Glutton Bowl, and on Gutbusters on the Discovery Channel. HE became the World Ice Cream Eating Champion when he finished one gallon and nine ounces of ice cream in just 12 minutes. Cookie as we know and love him is a competitive eater on the side and a real estate agent on the regular.
He became a competitive eater back in 2001 when he was 365 pounds, and retired in 2006 at a peak weight of 525 pounds! Cookie has been on television more than most, appearing in 31 shows such as The Glutton Bowl, and on Gutbusters on the Discovery Channel. HE became the World Ice Cream Eating Champion when he finished one gallon and nine ounces of ice cream in just 12 minutes.
Dominic "The Doginator" Cardo (2001-present) Dominic "The Doginator" Cardo (2001-present)
Cardo was also on Glutton Bowl, much like Cookie. He is a member of the International's Federation of Competitive Eating. I holds the record for eating a whole pickled beef tongue that weighed in at three pounds and 3 ounces. He ate the tongue in 12 minutes flat. We are trying very hard not to picture that winning contest moment. Cardo was also on Glutton Bowl, much like Cookie.
He is a member of the International's Federation of Competitive Eating. I holds the record for eating a whole pickled beef tongue that weighed in at three pounds and 3 ounces. He ate the tongue in 12 minutes flat. We are trying very hard not to picture that winning contest moment.
Yasir Salem (2012–present) Yasir Salem (2012–present)
Salem balances his competitive eating by also being a triathlete. You have to burn off all of those calories somehow! Salem is ranked number 11 in Major League Eating's ranks. Salem is most known for his championship title at the Donut Derby. He also used to be the National Sweet Corn Eating champion, and has been a part of the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest several times over. He says that hypnotherapy has helped him be a competitive eater; interesting way to go about numbing how full you are! Salem balances his competitive eating by also being a triathlete.
You have to burn off all of those calories somehow! Salem is ranked number 11 in Major League Eating's ranks. Salem is most known for his championship title at the Donut Derby. He also used to be the National Sweet Corn Eating champion, and has been a part of the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest several times over. He says that hypnotherapy has helped him be a competitive eater; interesting way to go about numbing how full you are!
Miki Sudo (2011–present) Miki Sudo (2011–present)
Get it girl! Miki has won the women's version of the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest six years in a row, from 2014 to 2019. She started eating competitively in 2013 when she won a pho eating contest. Hot dogs seem to be her major winning food as hamburgers and ribs have her in second and third spots. She did win the number 1 set in the US National Buffalo Wing Eating Championship, eating 6.7 pounds in 12 minutes. Get it girl!
Miki has won the women's version of the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest six years in a row, from 2014 to 2019. She started eating competitively in 2013 when she won a pho eating contest. Hot dogs seem to be her major winning food as hamburgers and ribs have her in second and third spots. She did win the number 1 set in the US National Buffalo Wing Eating Championship, eating 6.7 pounds in 12 minutes.
Sonya Thomas (2003–present) Sonya Thomas (2003–present)
Sonya won the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest from 2011 to 2013, she was the first ever winner as the competition only opened up to women in 2011. Her nickname in the eating world is "The Black Widow" and has even beat the likes of Eric Booker in her eating career. Her nickname come from the fact that she can win over men who are several times her size. She currently holds the record in over 25 eating contests. Funnily enough, she currently works at a Burger King. Sonya won the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest from 2011 to 2013, she was the first ever winner as the competition only opened up to women in 2011.
Her nickname in the eating world is "The Black Widow" and has even beat the likes of Eric Booker in her eating career. Her nickname come from the fact that she can win over men who are several times her size. She currently holds the record in over 25 eating contests. Funnily enough, she currently works at a Burger King.
L.A. Beast (2010–present) L.A.
Beast (2010–present)
YouTube has been good to this one too. Kevin Thomas Strahle, also known as L.A. Beast hosts his own YouTube channel where he shares with the world his competitive eating skills. His channel has over 2.3 million subscribers and has garnered him attention from icons like Tosh.O. and Jay Leno. He broke the Guinness World Record for the largest amount of chicken nuggets eaten in 3 minutes by eating 642.2 grams of chicken nuggets. He also finished a challenge where he are 40 nuclear wings in 57 minutes and 22 seconds. YouTube has been good to this one too.
Kevin Thomas Strahle, also known as L.A. Beast hosts his own YouTube channel where he shares with the world his competitive eating skills. His channel has over 2.3 million subscribers and has garnered him attention from icons like Tosh.O. and Jay Leno. He broke the Guinness World Record for the largest amount of chicken nuggets eaten in 3 minutes by eating 642.2 grams of chicken nuggets. He also finished a challenge where he are 40 nuclear wings in 57 minutes and 22 seconds.
Beard Meats Food Adam Moran Beard Meats Food Adam Moran
British competitive eater Adam Moran makes big waves with his eating skills. He currently holds the record for the largest amount of Big Macs eaten in the United Kingdom. He has also won't he 2015 Yorkshire pudding Eating World Championship, as well as set the record for the most chicken nuggets eaten in a single sitting in McDonalds. The world finds him all too fascinating as he has been on showing like How to Win At Everything, and How Safe is Meat. British competitive eater Adam Moran makes big waves with his eating skills.
He currently holds the record for the largest amount of Big Macs eaten in the United Kingdom. He has also won't he 2015 Yorkshire pudding Eating World Championship, as well as set the record for the most chicken nuggets eaten in a single sitting in McDonalds. The world finds him all too fascinating as he has been on showing like How to Win At Everything, and How Safe is Meat.
Nela Zisser Nela Zisser
A model and competitive eater? Now that is not a combo you hear very often (or at all). The New Zealand native started modeling when she was 16 years old. Her competitive eating stint was in full force in 2015 when she ate a five-foot long Subway sandwich. She said that the first three foot-longs were easy to down, the last two were slower and she needed more water - but did it all! A model and competitive eater?
Now that is not a combo you hear very often (or at all). The New Zealand native started modeling when she was 16 years old. Her competitive eating stint was in full force in 2015 when she ate a five-foot long Subway sandwich. She said that the first three foot-longs were easy to down, the last two were slower and she needed more water - but did it all!
Randy "Atlas" Santel Randy "Atlas" Santel
Randy is professional eater who promotes eating challenges around the world and challenges people to do them too! He has won eating competitions in 49 US states and across 31 countries around the globe. While he is a competitive eater, he is also a highly focused on his fitness and nutrition of all things; tough combination. He has over 822K subscribers on his YouTube channel and growing.
Randy is professional eater who promotes eating challenges around the world and challenges people to do them too! He has won eating competitions in 49 US states and across 31 countries around the globe. While he is a competitive eater, he is also a highly focused on his fitness and nutrition of all things; tough combination. He has over 822K subscribers on his YouTube channel and growing.
Raina Huang Raina Huang
Raina also uses YouTube to have people follow her competitive eating journey. Her message on her YouTube channel states: "My channel is mainly on competitive eating and I hope to entertain everyone with my videos!" She covers herself eating 10 pounds of pad Thai, 10 pounds pizza, and massive burritos that no normal human would ever think of trying to consume - but she does! Raina also uses YouTube to have people follow her competitive eating journey.
Her message on her YouTube channel states: "My channel is mainly on competitive eating and I hope to entertain everyone with my videos!" She covers herself eating 10 pounds of pad Thai, 10 pounds pizza, and massive burritos that no normal human would ever think of trying to consume - but she does!
Naader Reda Naader Reda
Naader Reda is also known as FreakEating on his social media profiles on YouTube and Instagram. He uses these channels to have his fans follow him as he competitively eats his way through the country. He may be a competitive eater, but he is also a history teacher and runner to try and balance out that major eating lifestyle. He describes himself as: "History teacher for 10 years. Freak Eater for life. Welcome to my world of food challenges and reviews. Stay in School, Don't Do Drugs, and Eat Like a Freak!" Naader Reda is also known as FreakEating on his social media profiles on YouTube and Instagram.
He uses these channels to have his fans follow him as he competitively eats his way through the country. He may be a competitive eater, but he is also a history teacher and runner to try and balance out that major eating lifestyle. He describes himself as: "History teacher for 10 years. Freak Eater for life. Welcome to my world of food challenges and reviews. Stay in School, Don't Do Drugs, and Eat Like a Freak!"
Eric Booker (2001–present)
Eric Booker (2001–present)
A legend in the competitive eating circle, Eric Booker holds records in competitive eating since 1997. His accomplishments include eating 16.5 cannolis in 6 minutes, 49 glazed donuts in 8 minutes, 30 matzo balls in 5 minutes and 25 seconds (random food group!), and nearly 5 pumpkin pies in 12 minutes! Booker has been on television shows like the Jimmy Kimmel Show, and Last Call with Carson Daly to show how competitive eating and eaters handle their ways. A legend in the competitive eating circle, Eric Booker holds records in competitive eating since 1997.
His accomplishments include eating 16.5 cannolis in 6 minutes, 49 glazed donuts in 8 minutes, 30 matzo balls in 5 minutes and 25 seconds (random food group!), and nearly 5 pumpkin pies in 12 minutes! Booker has been on television shows like the Jimmy Kimmel Show, and Last Call with Carson Daly to show how competitive eating and eaters handle their ways.