WASHINGTON – How much chili does it take to win the annual Ben’s Chili Bowl Eating Championship?
Past winner Joey Chestnut says he ate more than 2 gallons of the thick, hardy stew, gulped down one spoonful at a time, to secure the win. Now he’s back to take on the challenge a third time and he’s already making room in his stomach for the Saturday contest.
“I’m going to be nice and empty. Today I’m fasting, absolutely no solid foods,” he said Friday during a stop to the Glass Enclosed Nerve Center.
He’s had to build up a tolerance to be able to sup on so much of Ben’s flavorful chili, he said.
Chestnut is known for his wins at the annual Coney Island hot dog eating contest where he has won eight straight titles.
He’s loves the electric atmosphere at the historic park, packed with 40,000 spectators for the annual Fourth of July event.
“I’ll push myself through any pain barrier…whatever I need to do, I’ll do it to win that contest,” he said.
In between contests – he competes about 24 times a year – he keeps a close eye on his calorie intake and works out to keep off the pounds.
Weight gain can throw off his game and his breathing, he says.
“The healthier I am, the better I eat,” he said.
Tips for Turkey Day
The eating champion has some advice for all those turkey lovers who are looking forward to the family feast this Thanksgiving.
“Make sure you drink a little bit of liquid,” Chestnut said.
The liquid helps the food settle into the stomach and eases digestion. Alcoholic beverages will also relax the stomach muscles allowing more food to fit inside, he said.
History of a champion
Chestnut comes from a line of big eaters, they enjoy a good Thanksgiving Day meal too, but he gained a reputation for being able to gobble more grub than the rest of his family.
He was an engineering student when his brother signed up him for an eating contest – after repeated attempts – and he finally agreed to go.
“After the first one it just, it clicked. I was like ‘Oh my God, this is the best job in the world,’ and fell in love with it.”
The 3 p.m. contest is part of Taste of D.C., which runs from noon to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday along Pennsylvania Avenue between 9th and 14th Streets NW. General admission is $10.
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