Location: Hartford, CT
Eater X ate 50 HDBs at the Nathan's qualifier in Hartford, CT, earning a seat at the table on July 4 while matching the 2001 world-record-setting performance by Takeru Kobayashi -- but in 10 minutes instead of 12.
X was on fire throughout the event and easily led the pack, which included Badlands Booker, who performed a new single for the standing-room-only crowd before eating 27.5 HDBs to place second. Russ Keeler took third with 19.5 HDBs.
*All applicants must be 18 years of age or older and fully acknowledge and understand the inherent dangers and risks associated with participating in an eating contest. The applicant further acknowledges and understands that the MLE/IFOCE coordinates with event sponsor(s) to select and approve eligible participants, and that the MLE/IFOCE shall decide, at its sole discretion, whether an applicant is eligible to participate in any eating event, and/or related activities. The MLE/IFOCE may revoke an applicant's eligibility to participate in the eating contest, or related activities, at any time, for any reason, at its sole discretion. The MLE/IFOCE and the event sponsors reserve the right, at any time, to change any and all details concerning the event, including, e.g., time, duration, location and prize structure.