Pizza has long been regarded as a convenient fast food by many fans who appreciate the “no-utensil” approach to a quick and nutritious meal. In that light, Californian Joey Chestnut may be the one person who appreciates pizza convenience more than anyone else in the world. As the recent overall winner of the recent Pizza Hut Chow-lenge, an official event sanctioned by the International Federation of Competitive Eating, Joey Chestnut ate more pizza in less time than anyone in recorded pizza history. Joey was able to slam down an amazing 40.5 slices of pizza in just ten minutes, and in doing so set a new world record while becoming the new world champion.
Chestnut faced off with top-rated Chicago contender, Pat Bertoletti, and the two top eaters who both hold previous pizza titles battled it out in the 14-inch pizza class at the Pizza Hut Chow-lenge. The Mohawk-adorned Bertoletti was able to wolf down a respectable 36.5 slices in 10 minutes, but could not match Chestnut’s 40+ slice feat. To put the accomplishment into perspective, both ate the equivalent of more than five 14-inch pies in their allotted time. That’s like eating 5 pizzas in the time it takes to smoke a cigarette. Table manners definitely took a back seat in the event though, with both Chestnut and Bertoletti employing a “crush and shove” method of pizza gulping. Not too pretty, but apparently effective.
Congratulations are in order as Joey “Jaws” Chestnut is now the current number-one-ranked competitive eater in the world. Last year he became the top hot dog eater by consuming 68 hot dogs and buns in less than ten minutes, and now he adds the 14-inch pizza eating crown to his collection. Bertoletti is ranked as the number four eater in the world and currently holds the 24-inch pizza title as well as the 16-inch pizza gobbling crown. The Pizza Hut Chow-lenge took take place in Sony Studios at the Guys' Choice Awards for Spike TV in Los Angeles.
