For the first time ever, Hooters held its Worldwide Wing Eating Championship in South Lake Tahoe on Wednesday. Organizers are saying a competitor even set a new world record during the competition on Wednesday.
Eleven competitors got down and dirty, as they competed in the 2019 Hooters Worldwide Wing Eating Championship. “During the contest, I don't care how I look. I’m just looking for efficiency. I’m looking for the food to go in and down as fast as possible.,” said competitor Joey Chestnut.
It took chefs three hours to prepare the food.“3,500 individual wings, we sauce them and bring them here. That’s 25 pounds per each contestant,” said Hooters of America Executive Chef Gregg Brickman.
Several nationally ranked professional eaters came to claim the $5,000 top prize for the winner. The number 1, 3, and 4 ranked professionals are grouped together. That includes the well-known professional eater, Joey Chestnut. While it looks like they are winging it, each of them actually had a plan.“I actually use my hands as much as possible to get the meat off the bone. Some people like to break the bones and separate them,” said competitor Matt Stonie.“I kind of strip it with one hand. Push it real hard against my face. And try to get as much food into my face as fast as possible,” said Chestnut.“I practiced eating wings for this contest. I got some Hooters wings and just practiced my technique. I do the best I can,” said competitor Geoffrey Esper.
In the end, practice makes perfect. Geoffrey Esper repeated as champion. He ate 281 wings in the 10 minute time limit, and shattering his previous world record of 250 wings. “I think what won it for me was that I spent more time in the beginning cleaning them better. Joey went through all his wings real fast. But then he had to go back and clean them. And he just didn't have enough time. I just had a little better technique. Winning felt great,” said Esper.
Hooters will also be holding their International Beauty Pageant at Harvey’s Amphitheater tomorrow night. That’s followed by a Lee Brice concert. Tickets are still available.
