Thomas Over Chestnut by a Fry
2/11/2006

Sonya Thomas edged out arch-rival Joey Chestnut by one ounce at the Weinerschnitzel World Chili Cheese Fry Eating Championship in Long Beach, CA. Thomas consumed 8 pounds 2 ounces of the famed fries in 10 minutes while Chestnut ate 8 pounds 1 ounce.

In third was Eater X Janus (wearing custom face paint with elegant whitecaps in honor of the Queen Mary) downed 5 pounds 13.5 ounces to place third. Jed Donahue ate 5 pounds 11.25 ounces for fourth, followed closely by LeFevre. Next was Chip Simpson.

The event was held aboard the remarkable Queen Mary, a historic ship now docked in Long Beach. Eaters' scheduled flights home were all preemptively cancelled due to the impending blizzard. The sun, however, was shining at 70 degrees in California, softening the blow.

A total purse of $10,000 went to the eaters. The contrast between Sonya's size and her amazing eating ability prompt many to ask her dozens of questions. here is an FAQ she prepared.