Oyster Eating World Championship
Some of us can’t even stomach one oyster, let alone try to eat as many of them as possible in a certain amount of time. This is why this championship, held at Acme Oyster House in New Orleans, is one of the most bizarre and competitive eating competitions. After all, New Orleans is known for the pride they take in their Louisiana Gulf oysters, and they use this festival to fundraise and keep the coast thriving.
The reigning champion of this eating competition is Sonya Thomas, who back in 2014 managed to eat 46 DOZEN oysters in 10 minutes!
Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest
This one may be the most famous of them all. After all, their slogan “This is the original” is actually true, making it an annual 4th of July tradition. Held at Nathan’s, this Coney Island restaurant has been serving hot dogs ever since 1916, but they opened the competition only in 1972.
Some people believe the legend that it started when four immigrants challenged each other to an eating contest to prove which one of them was the most patriotic. We don’t know if it’s true, but one thing is for sure! Ever since 1972, it has become a staple, as they hold it every year on the 4th of July.
The record is held by Joey Chestnut, who ate 76 hot dogs in 10 minutes in 2021, beating his own previous record of 69. And while it may sound wasteful, the festival makes sure to donate $10,000 to the Food Bank for New York City every year to help feed the hungry!
