By Robert H. Kelly
Copyright 2008 TexSport Publications
HOUSTON, TEXAS (May 24, 2008) Competitive eaters recently converged on Houston, Texas for the Niko Niko’s World Gyro Eating Championships, with Pat Bertoletti edging out Joey Chestnut to take the world title.
The contest was neck and neck, or should I say gyro for gyro, for most of the ten-minute contest. Bertoletti, from Chicago, Illinois, took the title by a single gyro (12-11) over Chestnut. Bertoletti took home the world gyro belt, along with $2000 in prize money while Chestnut received the $1000 second place prize. Chestnut hails from San Jose, California.
Humble Bob Shoudt (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) finished in third place (9.5 gyros-$700) with Nate Beller finishing in fourth place (6 gyros-$300).
The contest is in its fourth year; however this year it is an official tour stop on the Major League Eating Circuit and is associated with the International Federation of Competitive Eating.
The contest was held under the “no dunking” rule which does not allow dipping of the gyrosin water prior to eating. This rule is due to the high spiciness content of the gyros. Drinking of water was allowed once the gyro had been consumed. The contest allowed one addition minute after the ten-minute eating limit to allow each contestant to chew and swallow what is in their mouth. There were no disqualifications in the contest.
Each gyro was 12 ounces and was provide by the contest sponsor Niko Niko’s Greek American Restaurant in Houston.
Over 1000 people witnessed the event that was held in conjunction with the 13th Annual Festival of Greece at Saint Basil the Great Greek Orthodox Church.
People who attended the contest were amazed by the event. “I came out to support the church and see the eating event. I am amazed at the organization. The MC did a good job of announcing the contest," stated Kosta Papasideris of Houston who came out to celebrate the culture of Greece.
Another spectator was happy to see the eaters he watches every year on ESPN’s coverage of Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Championships in New York on the Fourth of July. “I see Joey Chestnut and Pat Bertoletti eating on TV all the time. It was cool to see them in person,” said Bill Watson of Katy. “I do not know how they eat so much and stay so skinny.”
TexSport Publications will publish photos and video from the championships soon.
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