One of the side events taking place during the 2009 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event at the Rio was the Martorano’s Masters Meatball Eating Championship. Among those noticeably absent was Phil Hellmuth, who was booked to appear.
Play in the WSOP Main Event final table lasted until 6:00am PT on Sunday morning and with the Noon start time at the Rio’s meatball eating extravaganza, Hellmuth did not turn out as advertised by competition officials. Nevertheless, about a dozen participants and over 100 spectators were on-hand to witness the drama.
Among those in attendance was Joey Chestnut, the champion of the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest three years running. Chestnut told Poker News Daily prior to the competition, “I’m definitely going to shoot for 10 pounds.”
In July of next year, Chestnut will defend his title at the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest in New York. On the some 45,000 fans that attend the festivities every year, Chestnut explained, “I’m doing it against Kobayashi. This guy is from Japan and I’m looking forward to it. Last year, I did 68 in 10 minutes and this year, I’ll be going for 70.” So how do you get 10 pounds of meatballs or 70 hot dogs digested in 10 minutes? Chestnut gave us the secret to his success: “Nobody chews more than they have to. I’m chewing just enough to swallow.” Chestnut has been a competitive eater for four and a half years and his brother turned him onto the profession.
Also in the crowd was Robin Leach of “Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous” notoriety. A $3,000 cash prize was on the line, with half of that sum going to the winner. Besides Chestnut, other contestants included Rich “The Locust” LeFevre, who is 65 years-old and coming out of retirement in a Brett Favre-like saga. Playboy cover model Angelica Bridges also competed, as did Chicago native Pat “Deep Dish” Bertoletti and Sonya “Black Widow” Thomas. Each had 10 minutes to consume as many meatballs as possible. The only stipulations were that knives and forks had to be used and purging would result in an automatic disqualification.
Each meatball eater came out to his or her own theme music and an overly zealous host moderated the festivities. Two-pound plates of meatballs were placed in front of the competitors, hand-delivered by Martorano’s staff. The first row was dubbed the “Splash Zone,” as meatball extract and bodily fluids could easily reach the audience seated about three feet away.
Restaurant owner Steve Martorano kicked off the event saying, “Besides my kids being born and Shaquille O’Neal giving me a ring when he won a championship, this is one of the most favorite moments in my life.” The owner promptly tossed a few meatballs into the crowd and the 10-minute timer started.
If you’ve never been to a competitive eating contest, my advice is don’t eat before you watch, as the scene was a sloppy mess of spit, spaghetti sauce, and a variety of liquids ranging from water to fruit punch. Chestnut consumed four pounds of meatballs in the first four minutes to a lively soundtrack that included Survivor’s “Eye of the Tiger” and the theme from “Rocky.” Andrew Feldman, Poker Editor for ESPN.com, watched it alongside Poker News Daily.
It was a photo finish, but in the end, Chestnut consumed six pounds and two meatballs, while Bertoletti downed six pounds and one meatball. The latter received $750 for his efforts, while Chestnut banked $1,500 and what the announcer labeled “eternal glory.” I promptly headed to the bathroom to vomit.
Next up is a press conference sponsored by DoylesRoom to announce the fifth member of the Brunson 10 at the Wynn. I suspect less gorging will be involved.
