Chestnut, Stonie to meet in 2017 Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest

Stonie (left) and Chestnut faced off in 2016 at the
Niko Niko's  World Gyro Eating Chontest in Houston.
Photo by Darla Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography,
Copyright 2017, All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2017 TexSport Publications

BROOKLYN, NEW YORK (July 2, 2017) At precisely 12 noon EDT, a Fourth of July tradition that goes back over 100 years will occur at the corner of Surf and Stillwell Avenues in Brooklyn, New York. Hot dog, and competitive eating fans) will gather at the historic landmark for the annual Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest. The competition will pit two of the greatest eaters in history, Joey "Jaws" Chestnut and Matt "Megatoad" Stonie, against each other in their quest for the coveted Mustard Belt.

Chestnut has won 10 of the past 11 contests, establishing a new world record of 70 hot dogs consumed in 2016. Stonie took the title in 2015, consuming 62 hot dogs in the 10 minute conetst. In the female division, three-time champion Miko Sudo will look to retain the pink Pepto Belt. Other contestants include Badlands Booker, winner of the Charlotte, North Carolina qualifier with 24 dogs, Erik "The Red" Denmark (St Louis, MO qualifier, 28 dogs), and Geoffrey Esper (Boston, MA qualifier, 51 dogs). Fans can view the contest on ESPN and WatchESPN at 12 noon EDT on July 4.

Rematch of 2014 scheduled at World Gyro Eating Championship in Houston

Photo by Darla Tamulitis-La Vocs Photography
Copyright 2015, All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2015 TexSport Publications

HOUSTON, TEXAS (May, 13, 2015) On Sunday, May 17, 2015 , Niko Niko's Greek & American Cafe will be hosting the World Gyro Eating Championship during Houston's Greek Festival which is held on the grounds of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Houston. The event is sponsored and sanctioned by Major League eating and will feature two of the world's leading eaters battling for gyro eating supremacy

In 2014, Matt Stonie (San Jose, California), who was the No. 2 ranked eater in the world, down No. 1 Joey Chestnut (San Jose, California) by eating 24 8-oz gyros in 10 minutes. The performance was a new world record, breaking Chestnut’s record of 22.5 gyros established in 2013.

The victory was the first for Stonie, who finished in second place in 2013 and 2014, and third place in 2011. Chestnut had previously won the title in 2010, 2011, and 2013. In 2013, Chestnut consumed 21 gyros for second place in 2014, while eating 21 in 2010, where he tied the record established by Pat Bertoletti in 2008.

“This event at Greek Fest highlights our summer. Matt definitely shocked everyone last year by not only beating Joey, but shattering his record,” stated Dimitri Fetokakis in the pre-event press release from Major League Eating. Fetokakis is the owner of Niko Niko’s Greek & American Café and further stated, “Our gyro sandwiches are no joke. We can’t wait to see what these two and all the competitors have in store this year.”

Other competitors eating for the Niko Niko’s Belt include No. 4 Miki Sudo (Las Vegas, Nevada) and No. 16 Steve Henley of Dixon California. Sudo placed fourth in 2014. Consuming 11.5 gyros in the 10 minute limit.

Major League Eating President Richard Shea was quoted in a prepared press release; “Joey’s loss last year to Stonie shook him to the core, and caused him to rethink his entire approach to gyro eating. He returns to Houston this year with his reputation on the line and a deep need to dominate Stonie.”

The event will kick off at 2 p.m. with tickets costing $3.00 each.

Bertoletti Edges Chestnut for World Gyro Title

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.

Niko Niko's to Host World Gyro Eating Championship

By Robert H. Kelly
Copyright 2008 TexSport Publications

On May 17, the nation's finest eating-athletes will meet in Houston, for the Niko Niko's World Gyro Eating Championship. This event, although in its 4th year, is proud to now be associated with the IFOCE and Major League Eating. The World Gyro Eating Championship is part of the Festival of Greece. Dimitri Fetokakis, owner of Niko Niko's Greek American Restaurant & his family, have been long time supporters of the festival.

The Festival of Greece, now celebrating its 13th anniversary, is a 4-day event featuring the finest homemade Greek food & deserts, Greek wine & beer, Greek folk dancing, Greek shops, vendor booths, children's food & large play area.

Part of the proceeds of the festival are donated to local charities.

More information will be posted as it become available.