Bryan Beard @ SJSU qualifier: “I’m going to Coney Island”

4:51 George Shea has the top 3:
1) Bryan “Big Sexy” Beard 18 HDB
2) Ryan McKillop 17.75 HDB
3) Crazy Legs Conti 16.5

4:40 Bryan Beard’s twitter has the following update: “IM GOING TO CONEY ISLAND!!!!”

The only information I have obtained about the San Jose State qualifier is that Bryan “Big Sexy” Beard will be competing in it. I don’t know what time it will be held or where on the San Jose State campus it will take place.

Comments (58)

58 Comments »

  1. Anonymous said

    May 8, 2010 @ 4:48 pm

    Where, in the audience?

  2. A-Bomb said (Registered May 7, 2009)

    May 8, 2010 @ 4:53 pm

    Yeah Sexy!

  3. Anonymous said

    May 8, 2010 @ 4:54 pm

    18?!

  4. Anonymous said

    May 8, 2010 @ 4:57 pm

    Lame because you should have to eat 20 to get to the final table, least that’s what the IFOCE emailed me

  5. Anonymous said

    May 8, 2010 @ 5:13 pm

    What’s this at least 20 BS? The man won! Congratulations Big Sexy!

  6. Anonymous said

    May 8, 2010 @ 5:17 pm

    yea that should be a wash.

  7. KevinRoss said

    May 8, 2010 @ 5:19 pm

    Good job Bryan. Prepare for jealous people whining that you didn’t eat enough (I got the same crap when I got into Coney in the same northern california qualifer in 2008 with a sub 20 number). But they didn’t show up and you did. . .and you won! So the haters can suck it while you have the time of your life in Coney! Of course, I’m kicking myself for not having drove up to norcal today, seeing that I would have had a shot. . .only reason I didn’t do this one this year like usual is because there is a southern california qualifer right near me, so I figured I’d just do that one. But unfortunately I think some heavy hitters will show up to socal, so I don’t think I’ll be hanging with you at Coney this year unless I can learn to eat 30+ really quick. Anyway, congrats again man!

  8. NReda said

    May 8, 2010 @ 5:19 pm

    Congrats to Bryan! Picking up a Nathan’s Qualifier is a big win.

  9. tiger wings and things said

    May 8, 2010 @ 5:22 pm

    yea that should be a wash.

  10. Anonymous said

    May 8, 2010 @ 5:24 pm

    What is up with those numbers? Bad enough that it was a custom made contest for CL, but then the numbers are just ridiculous. At least a place like Foxboro had 6 ranked eaters and it was a serious show.

  11. RockiesGirl said (Registered June 14, 2009)

    May 8, 2010 @ 6:23 pm

    Amen KevinRoss! Congrats Bryan – VERY proud that you will be representing the Rocky Mountain state in NYC!

  12. RockiesGirl said (Registered June 14, 2009)

    May 8, 2010 @ 6:25 pm

    Oh BTW – if you are gonna talk smack – grow some kahonies and stop posting as “Anonymous”.

  13. Anonymous said

    May 8, 2010 @ 6:59 pm

    Crazy legs ONLY 16. Did he lay down, get paid off, or should he retire? Crazy legs could always do better than that. Smells fishy. Maybe Crazy will be a guest commentator at Coney like Las Vegas on Spike and that is why the low numbers.

  14. Just The Facts said

    May 8, 2010 @ 7:05 pm

    No smack talk, just an EXACT QUOTE:

    “PRIZE: Seat in the Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest (winner must eat at least 20 hot dogs to win seat)”

  15. A-Bomb said (Registered May 7, 2009)

    May 8, 2010 @ 7:40 pm

    WWCLCD

  16. Anonymous said

    May 8, 2010 @ 8:02 pm

    Crazy Legs is a much better CE newscaster and color man than a competitive eater anyway. I hope he takes advantage of that opportunity should it arise. He would still go down as one of the 50 greatest ears thus far, counting all the competitive eaters in history.

  17. Anonymous said

    May 8, 2010 @ 8:03 pm

    WTFAYTA?

  18. anonymous said

    May 8, 2010 @ 8:03 pm

    After all these years they finally hired a real judge to deduct the debris from CLC plates

  19. anonymous said

    May 8, 2010 @ 8:14 pm

    Butifulbrian could beat Bryan Beard. I say let the winners that qualify for Nathans with less than 20 eat behind a real eater i that got in with 20 or more on July 4th. No deuce No exposure!

  20. Ray said

    May 8, 2010 @ 8:15 pm

    Way to go Bryan.

    Congrads

  21. Anna said

    May 8, 2010 @ 8:26 pm

    GO BRYAN!

  22. quite strange said

    May 8, 2010 @ 9:19 pm

    . Specific eaters are sent a copy of the Nathans registration sheet so they can convienently pick and choose which qualifier is the easy one. It would be nice if everyone was mailed a copy so they dont have to ask who is going where. Isn it also quite strange that one specific eater has always moved up and never moved down in the rankings during the past 6yrs

  23. anonymous eaterrrrrr said

    May 8, 2010 @ 9:45 pm

    Bryan may have won the contest, BUT HE IS NOT GOING TO CONEY ISLAND….. “YOU HAVE TO EAT AT LEAST 20”

  24. Dan Gregorchick said

    May 8, 2010 @ 10:17 pm

    Conti must have had a lumberjack breakfast before competing because he is good for his usual 19 after all the debris is accounted for.

  25. Big Sexy said

    May 8, 2010 @ 11:00 pm

    I appreciate all the love and support I’ve received. This win (regardless of the number or anything else negative anyone has to say) means a lot to me. There was great judging, everyone was deducted for debris and it was fairly judged on all ends. Everybody had the opportunity to sign up for whatever qualifiers they wanted to compete in, although I’m not sure who did actually try to come out here for it or not. I do know people will say what they say, but I just wanted to say I did give my all today (and yes, 18 was my all), I had fun doing it, and I was fortunate enough to leave with the trophy. Thanks again everyone.

    -Bryan Beard

  26. Larellmarie said (Registered May 9, 2010)

    May 9, 2010 @ 12:35 am

    Unfortunately, it’s true that in order to win a seat at Coney Island, the winner at each qualifier MUST eat at least 20 HDB. That’s per the IFOCE’s rules 🙁

  27. Andy Rooney said

    May 9, 2010 @ 1:44 am

    Great job Bryan, however on the IFOCE registration confirmation it clearly states the following:

    DISCIPLINE/DURATION: Hot Dogs/10 minutes

    PRIZE: Seat in the Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest (winner must eat at least 20 hot dogs to win seat)

    I REPEAT: “WINNER MUST EAT AT LEAST 20 hot dogs to win seat”

    So, is the IFOCE blowing smoke up our asses with this stupid comment or is it an actual fact that will be honored? Their plan backfired with Crazy Legs and now there is a dilemma.

  28. Mr. Spock said

    May 9, 2010 @ 2:52 am

    Logically, Bryan’s “sub-deuce” win (congrats my friend) should open up a second wild card slot.

  29. Anonymous Eatah said

    May 9, 2010 @ 6:53 am

    OK…congrats to Bryan for his win. However, we all know CrazyLegs is far more capable of eating MUCH MORE than 16. Everybody has an off day. Take a look at Bertolettis’ 26 last year, it was half of his number at Coney. Things happen that are sometimes out of our control and at the table that we as readers of eatfeats may not be privy to. Crazy Legs, aside from yesterdays number, is and will be one of the top known recognizable veterans and hall of fame eaters that members of the IFOCE should honor and respect. Remember one thing, CrazyLegs has most likely done more for the sport of competitive eating than anyone else has done. He is a loyal, trusted, solid friend to those that have the pleasure of knowing him….never does he speak negatively about anyone and always wishes everybody the best in all that they do within our sport we call Major League Eating.

  30. SPBBBBMBBB said

    May 9, 2010 @ 7:56 am

    congrats to Bryan…I hope this does mean you get to Coney…first place should mean a seat at the final table…he beat everyone that was there…that’s a winner in my book! Ryan, that was a nice total, too, and CL – I don’t give a dang if you only eat three – you are one of the all-time winners – Happy Mother’s Day to all moms, and especially, an avid reader here, Rona Conti!!

  31. Anonymous said

    May 9, 2010 @ 3:14 pm

    I think this is an interesting win that will become more interesting by this week’s end. Bryan won the qualifier and it is called that for a reason, however the IFOCE did state clearly that the eater MUST eat 20 to go to the final table. My theory is that Bryan will not be sitting at the final table, but he will be chosen as a relief eater in case someone becomes sick. He will still be treated to New York, but that’s where it ends.

    As for CLC, he should move into the 30s for the rankings and beautiful brian can take his spot at number 14.

  32. Steakbellie said (Registered August 11, 2006)

    May 9, 2010 @ 3:18 pm

    I’d be curious to hear about the food prep on this one. Congrats Big Sexy for the W!

  33. NReda said

    May 9, 2010 @ 8:05 pm

    This issue over needing a win with 20 to actually get a seat must be figured out soon. It’s a mess because someone actually won a qualifier with less than 20! I get the feeling that the people who make the rules just didn’t believe that someone would actually walk out a winner with under 20. I think it would be ridiculous to bump a legitimate contest winner in favor of a wildcard solution.

  34. Mega Munch said

    May 9, 2010 @ 9:35 pm

    Good job Bryan. I think the rule that an eater must eat more than 20 to be at Coney is crap and you deserve a spot at the table. You won the qualifier plain and simple. If Crazy Legs had won that qualifier with 19.5, do you think they’d not allow him to go to Coney? (Legs is one of my favorite eaters, so I mean no ill will with that question.)

    Here I go comparing CE to real sports, but do other sports have lame rules that say a team “must win at least 90 game in the regular season to be eligible for the World Series” even if the finished first in their division and won in the playoffs? And what if they don’t let you. Are they going to create another qualifier to fill that spot at the table or create another Wild Card?

    And if they say you have to eat 20 to go to Coney, why don’t they have a rule that says you have to eat at least 20 AT Coney? Call it the “Jed Donahue” rule. (That 1 HDB thing still pisses me off.)

  35. KevinRoss said

    May 9, 2010 @ 10:33 pm

    I don’t think it says anything about 20HDB anywhere. . .I think the posters here are just trying to worry Bryan for no reason by inventing quotes that never existed. In all likelihood, it’s probably one person with five fake names saying they saw this supposed rule somewhere to make it more believable. If you win a qualifier you go to Coney, pure and simple! So don’t worry Bryan, get that giant hat buffed, shined and ready for ESPN.

  36. KevinRoss said

    May 9, 2010 @ 10:37 pm

    Uh oh. . .I think I might need to retract my above statement. I thought people were saying this quote was on IFOCE website. . .but I just looked at my registration confirmation and the thing about 20HDB is actually a real quote. So, hmmm. . .all I can say is it would be super crappy if Bryan’s win is taken away 🙁 I got into Coney with 17hdb in 2008. . .so I can’t help but to feel as though a win is a win!

  37. Anonymous said

    May 10, 2010 @ 10:22 am

    One sure thing about IFOCE contests. Rules are one thing. A very little thing. Also IFOCE reseves the right to drop or alter any of their posted rules as they see fit. They have done it many times before and they will continue to do it. IFOCE rules make them look legit to the average viewer. In reality rules written on toilet paper last longer then some IFOCE rules. I can post multiple examples here to back up my words.

  38. Anonymous said

    May 10, 2010 @ 12:16 pm

    It sure would be nice to see the IFOCE stick with their rules. There are much more deserving eaters who should be at the final table and either have already turned in 20+ performances or will be turning in 20+ performances. Nothing against Bryan but a rule is a rule and this one should be enforced to ensure high numbers and an overall competitive contest at the final table.

  39. Wondering Out Loud said

    May 10, 2010 @ 1:47 pm

    How much sense would it make for the winner of a qualifier to be denied entrance to the final table? Like Mega Munch said, “do other sports have lame rules that say a team “must win at least 90 game in the regular season to be eligible for the World Series” even if the finished first in their division and won in the playoffs? And what if they don’t let you. Are they going to create another qualifier to fill that spot at the table or create another Wild Card?” Obviously nobody likes the weak division, the 8-8 division, but regardless, the winner does move onto the playoffs. If they do announce that he won’t be going due to the rule, then what’s the point of the qualifiers? Why not just have everyone eat then pick and choose who you want? Good win Bryan, you were the best of the worst there.

  40. NReda said

    May 10, 2010 @ 2:38 pm

    It’s terrible that Bryan’s victory is being tainted with so many backhand compliments. Regardless of his totals, he led the field at San Jose. He also ate more than the 2nd and 3rd place finishers at the Las Vegas qualifier. His name is now on a shortlist of people who have won a qualifying contest. It’s up to the IFOCE to decide what to do with this one. I hope he eats at Coney.

  41. Mega Munch said

    May 10, 2010 @ 3:10 pm

    Great point, Wondering Out Loud (and not just because you agreed with me…also a good football reference with the 8-8 division analogy). I especially agree with your last point about just taking all the totals and just picking the top 10 or 12 to go to Coney. Otherwise, the qualifiers are pointless.

  42. Big Sexy said (Registered May 8, 2009)

    May 13, 2010 @ 1:49 pm

    Ok… You guys win. It’s official. I will not be going to Coney because of that rule. I guess winning a qualifier doesn’t mean a damn thing anymore.

    -Bryan Beard

  43. Rhonda Evans said (Registered March 6, 2008)

    May 13, 2010 @ 1:54 pm

    That is a load of crap Bryan. That gives me even more reason not to watch the damned thing. Another example of the IFOCE’s selective enforcement of rules—-yet a third reason to abstain from watching. I don’t even care about the results anymore—-don’t give a shit.

  44. Anonymous said

    May 13, 2010 @ 1:56 pm

    Whatever it takes to force Crazy Legs to the table, huh?

  45. Mega Munch said

    May 13, 2010 @ 2:06 pm

    Yeah, a bunch of crap if you asked me. Hope they’re proud of themselves. They’ve obviously forgotten that nobody gives two shits about how many hot dogs some dude ate in his qualifier. I don’t understand the Shea’s reasoning with this rule. Have they ever bothered to explain it? It doesn’t put more money in their pockets, which is why I’m baffled as to why they’d enforce it.

    Someone needs to take a stand for Big Sexy. Maybe Pat B can wear a Big Sexy headband during his qualifier in honor of his fallen comrade.

  46. RockiesGirl said (Registered June 14, 2009)

    May 13, 2010 @ 2:31 pm

    Let’s all encourage Big Sexy to tear it up in Tempe, AZ – the next qualifier that he had been chosen for.

    If Bryan doesn’t win any of the other qualifiers, I think someone at the table should offer to wear a big blue cowboy hat to honor the seat that should have been his.

  47. What the ... ? said

    May 13, 2010 @ 2:59 pm

    OJ: Is there any way that you can check your database regarding how many people have qualified and went to New York by eating under 20 the past few years? Why would this year be any different? It doesn’t seem right? In any other sport if a team or player wins, they get the prize. In this case the prize is a trip to Coney. Frankly, I don’t care if some memo was written saying you have to eat some arbitrary over 20 HDBs, it’s a stupid rule and should be recognized as such. If a football team won a playoff game to get to the superbowl by a score of three to nothing, would the NFL make the team play another game because they didn’t score enough against their opponent? And, if the NFL said we sent a memo to the teams before hand that they have to score more than a field goal, fans of the game would riot to a point that any legit sports organization would back down from such a stupid rule. It’s not logical and and it sure as heck doesn’t seem fair to the eaters and fans of competitive eating.

  48. RockiesGirl said (Registered June 14, 2009)

    May 13, 2010 @ 3:08 pm

    Well, if this were 1987-1990 – Bryan would be a world record holder at 18 in 10 min… 😉
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nathan's_Hot_Dog_Eating_Contest

  49. Steakbellie said (Registered August 11, 2006)

    May 13, 2010 @ 3:13 pm

    I dont understand the purpose of this rule. I dont agree with it being enforced. I’m sorry for you Big Sexy!

  50. Rhonda Evans said (Registered March 6, 2008)

    May 13, 2010 @ 3:14 pm

    The man bested a table full of eaters, one of which was a Coney Island regular! And the winner’s performance wasn’t good enough?

    Look, I adore CL Conti in many ways, but it is bullshit if Legs wins a qualifier with more than 20 and shows up at the finals when Big Sexy is deprived of the chance.

    IFOCE you need to think this shit through before you “rush to judgment!”

    Just when I think I’ve seen them sink to unreachable depths they reach an all new f*&$%n’ low!

  51. Craig said

    May 13, 2010 @ 3:17 pm

    That’s pretty low. It’s bad enough they to rig the field for qualifiers, but when it backfires they pull a shitty move like this.

  52. What the ... ? said

    May 13, 2010 @ 3:43 pm

    This arbitrary 20 HDBs rule may also deny someone from someday becoming a future top eater. For example, at Sonya’s first contest before she ever became the Black Widow she won her qualifier 18 HDBs. She went to Coney, learned to improve her skills, and the rest is CE history. If this rule was in place she would have been denied her trip, sent home, and we may have never heard from her again. Look, I don’t think Bryan is going to eat over 60. But, he seems like a decent, pretty colorful guy, and I think he would add a lot to the championship. His Tweet reaction when he won was great: “I’m going to Coney!” That kind of enthusiasm should be encouraged not torn down by some arbitrary rule that no one really knew about. There are also some people who don’t follow CE regularly and just tune in to Nathan’s on the Fourth. If they happen be from the area where Bryan lives they might be inclined to root for him. But, now they may not get their chance.

  53. Big Sexy Fan said

    May 13, 2010 @ 4:12 pm

    e all know that specific & dangerous techniques are used to alter the human body in order to eat 60 HD. No – Bryan Big Sexy Beard isn’t going to hit the 60 mark – BUT what he does bring is the truest of the competitive spirit and is a media dream! I’ll betcha the cameras will be rolling this Saturday as the gyros are flying! Houston already knows he is coming… HEY! Attention Houson media – We have a problem here!

  54. KevinRoss said

    May 13, 2010 @ 4:22 pm

    Damn, that is really messed up. Especially if they announced you were going to Coney right there on the spot. That’s awful to tease you like that, then try to take it away. Like others have said, the audience is basically focusing on Joey and Kobayashi and maybe a couple of other eaters. They don’t care if someone qualified with 15, 18, 25, or 32! You won the qualifier, you beat other good eaters, and you should be going to Coney for real. . .and by the way, doing 18 is actually really good. How soon people forget that although people are putting up huge numbers these days, it was only a few short years ago that 18 would have been a top peformance. Very few people in the world can eat 18 hot dogs in 10 minutes. . .

    I wonder what the purpose of this is? Are they saying there will be two wildcards? Or are they just having one less spot at the table (there is barely any spots this year anyway). Ugh. . .I can’t imagine how pissed I would have been if they told me I couldn’t go to Coney when I was in your exact situation in 2008. . .I hope they change their mind Bryan. It truly is messed up to enforce the fine print like that, especially if they didn’t make it super clear on the day of the event. . .

  55. Anonymous said

    May 13, 2010 @ 4:27 pm

    Hey Big Sexy , Ill be going to Tempe also,I dont know if the three hour flight will be worth it..Tempe has been known to use 1/4 pounders in the contest.So if they do I dought anyone will hit 20?

  56. Anonymous said

    May 13, 2010 @ 4:32 pm

    I think 20 is very fair.., but i think the total you need to qualify should be announed before every qualifing contest so there is no misunderstanding…

  57. Weiner Eater said

    May 13, 2010 @ 5:48 pm

    Well, back in my days I could eat 25 weiners and still have room for a fist of pickles

  58. A-Bomb said (Registered May 7, 2009)

    May 13, 2010 @ 7:16 pm

    That really sucks.

    The IFOCE is their fiefdom so the Sheas can do whatever they want.

    I guess they decided this because they are pissed that their golden boy was beaten so their plan to get CLC to the Coney table has back fired.

    If Mr. Conti is the good guy everyone says he is then he’d use his considerable pull with the IFOCE to get Bryan what he earned by winning the qualifier.

    When in the hell does any rule – let alone any IFOCE rule – matter? Sheas, get real here and do what’s right!

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