2012 Nathan’s Las Vegas qualifier
update Apr 30 The Las Vegas Sun has a gallery
update Apr 29 Haute Living has an article and NCAADave has a video
Men
1) Sean Gordon 30 HDB, defends Las Vegas qualifier title
2) Rich LeFevre 27 HDB, takes wild-card lead
3T) Juan “More Bite” Rodgriguez 22 HDB, MLE debut
3T) Ron Koch 22 HDB
Women
1) Juliet Lee 27 HDB, will compete in Nathan’s finals for 6th straight year
?) Mary Bowers 9.5 HDB, takes apparent lead in women’s wild card race
update 6:51 Winners have been announced. Sean Gordon has repeated as the male champion w/30 HDB. Juliet Lee is the female winner w/ 27.
The contest is about to start.
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anonymous said
April 28, 2012 @ 6:55 pm
Lefevre competed and ate 27. It’s like he can eat with any organization he wants
Anonymous said
April 28, 2012 @ 7:21 pm
No woman will eat more than Juliet in the qualifiers this year. Great job Juliet!
Anonymous said
April 28, 2012 @ 7:22 pm
Juan needed about 20 more bites.
ojrifkin said (Registered July 27, 2005)
April 28, 2012 @ 7:43 pm
If Sonya gets a bye as defending women’s champion, we might have already seen the top 2 women’s qualifier performances.
Anonymous said
April 28, 2012 @ 8:09 pm
If Joey gets a bye, assuming there’s a separate women’s event this year, then last year’s women’s winner may get a bye, but since they just started that division, maybe not. I think the winner of the women’s division from last year should have to qualify, even if Joey does not have to. It’s basically a man’s sport. Women are new to it.
Anonymous said
April 28, 2012 @ 8:22 pm
WTF?? My question is the same about LeFevre. At least he didn’t win, ‘cuz that would have raised all kinds of questions.
anonymous said
April 28, 2012 @ 8:35 pm
It’s like saying Sonya Thomas is entitled to 20grand every 4th of July as long as Nathans holds this event She might as well buy a new home with that kind of money . It would be paid off in no time
ojrifkin said (Registered July 27, 2005)
April 28, 2012 @ 8:37 pm
It is unlikely that 27 will take the men’s wild card, but things could get interesting if it does.
Ron Koch said
April 28, 2012 @ 8:40 pm
Sean “Flash” Gordon showed us his respect for his parents by dedicating the contest to them. He put two hot dogs in a plate in front of him to honor his parents. To me he is a real winner! Great job today Flash!
Juliet Lee did a great job today and was the winner for the women’s division to go to Coney Island. Juliet is the real deal… great job today Juliet!
Last but not least, Juan Rodriguez up-and-coming champion to be. Pushed me to my limit today. Great job Juan! I expect to see great things in the competitive eatting field for you.
Ron Koch said
April 28, 2012 @ 8:44 pm
Rich Shea did an absolutely great job today! His rap is pretty good. And everyone in the crowd seemed to be having a great time. Looking forward to seeing you at future events.
Larellmarie said (Registered May 9, 2010)
April 28, 2012 @ 10:40 pm
Now OJ tsk tsk tsk lol don’t count me & Edible out just yet 🙂 we may surprise ya!!!!!
Anonymous said
April 29, 2012 @ 1:17 am
Isn’t great, RETIRED LaFevre will eat at Ellis Island hotdog contest eather May 2nd or May 9th and get away with this while other eaters have been banned for doing the same”
anonymous said
April 29, 2012 @ 1:42 am
If they like you you can eat in non sanctioned events. You have to admit US Male gunning down a replica of George Shea at wingbowl was classic. I think that ended his chances of ever getting back in
Home schooler said
April 29, 2012 @ 3:38 am
Look up the word hypocrite in the dictionary and there you find a picture of the Sheas.
Look up dillusional and you find a picture of Larell Marie (and Wrecking Ball).
Great job Flash, what a nice tribute to your parents.
Joe said
April 29, 2012 @ 8:31 am
Rich did thinga the right way, he retired then when he found out how much he missed competing he did a few independent contests. When he saw he could still preform at competitive level he came back. All this could be done without harming the Precious brand the “league ” portrays
mle = private business organized to handle the public relations of food service companies. The facade of a league is part of the sale pitch. The eater in this “league” is a non paid employee which puts $$$$ out of their own pocket for the hope of fortune mad fame ( or their 15 min). Some do it for the love of competition, others for the hope of bigger things.
Anonymous said
April 29, 2012 @ 9:25 am
Home schooler, I just looked up both of those words and I didn’t see any of those guys.
Anonymous said
April 29, 2012 @ 9:31 am
Outstanding job Sean! You’re awesome!
Anonymous said
April 29, 2012 @ 10:33 am
My money is on THE REAL DEAL TO push Sonya (which is getting a bye) for nathans to push her to her limits so dont count THE REAL DEAL out just yet boyssssssssssssss Wink WINK Larell lol
Anonymous said
April 29, 2012 @ 11:05 am
LaFevre should have been or should be DQed to keep things wright..
Anonymous said
April 29, 2012 @ 12:11 pm
Awesome job Rich! Wow… Hall of famer!
Anonymous said
April 29, 2012 @ 1:13 pm
Rich never retired from pro eating, he just went independent..He pulled the same scam last year the same way.He is announced he is in the crowd, asked to come up on stage, and then asked if people would like to see him eat again..The same as last year orchastrated by his friend.,then he turns around and spits in MLE’s face by competing in the Ellis Island Hotdog contest.I agree with anoymous 11:05 and LaFevre should be DQed.
Anonymous said
April 29, 2012 @ 2:40 pm
What? Is there an independent HOF? For that matter, there’s not one anywhere. If APE comes up with won it would be a slap in the face of MLE, who will probably give it no more attention than a fleeting thought and idle talk.
Anonymous said
April 29, 2012 @ 3:28 pm
To anonymous 240PM. If you were running the show would you allow one of you eaters eat hotdogs for another venue while your sponcer was still running qualifiers? LaFevre thinks he is bigger than any league itself
Anonymous said
April 29, 2012 @ 4:02 pm
As one anonymous to another anonymous, concerning comments by a third, what’s the big deal?
anonymous said
April 29, 2012 @ 4:43 pm
What if other eaters such as Menchetti, Larue, Sciullo, Torres, & Goldstein decided that they too wanted to come back to MLE? Do you think they would be given a second chance because they missed competing in the MLE? We all know the answer.
Just a fan said
April 29, 2012 @ 6:36 pm
Rich is a legend and at his age he gets a pass. As a elderly person myself he is really doing something special and I thank MLE for allowing him to compete and give us seniors someone to cheer for. Keep it up Rich we love You!
Anonymous said
April 29, 2012 @ 6:40 pm
To anonymous 402PM. As one idiot said yesterday “whats the big deal? we are all here to have a good time” You have a good time before the contest, you have a great time after the contest. ITS ALL BUSINESS DURING THE CONTEST..If you need a reuion get together do it after the contest..Dont take away from those who really came to compete..
Anonymous said
April 29, 2012 @ 8:23 pm
Anonomous fan at 6:36 . The only elderly person I saw was the one that brought him up to the stage…Hey Kid , dont you wish that was you”””””’
Larellmarie said (Registered May 9, 2010)
April 30, 2012 @ 11:57 am
Homeschooler, perhaps I miscommunicated what I was saying resulting in you calling me dilusional? I was responding to OJ’s remark, “we might have already seen the top 2 women’s qualifier performances” referring to Juliet & Meredith’s qualified #s. Since me & Edible are very close to Meredith’s #, I was implying that either one if us may match or beat her 17 🙂
anonymous said
April 30, 2012 @ 12:28 pm
Homeschooler was correct Larell, neither you or Edible are hitting 17 hot dogs/buns. Niceness and compassion isn’t what it takes to put them down. Best of luck trying anyhow.
Rhonda Evans said (Registered March 6, 2008)
April 30, 2012 @ 12:53 pm
12:28: Home schooler needs to get back into public education, as that learnin’ thang at the house just isn’t workin’.
Also, it’s DElusional, which also doesn’t fit any of those you’re referring to.
Locust said
April 30, 2012 @ 12:58 pm
For all you gutless individuals who are too cowardly to use your own names, I will not be doing the Ellis Island Casino contest this year. I am not in any organization and was officially retired . What a person does while not a member of any organization is immaterial. I would not have done the Nathan’s qualifier if I hadn’t been asked by Rich to fill an extra spot. In no way was it a set-up and I certainly wasn’t expecting to be asked (or was I prepared to be). I have always looked at competing the same way Gentleman Joe does and always respect his views. I appreciate the very few fans I do have because they know where I’m coming from. To me, competitive eating has always been a fun and entertaining event but at the same time I would never go against the Sheas’ interests. I DID NOT ask to be in the contest and I did not encourage anyone else to do my bidding for me. Besides, I am not going to win a ten minute contest against Sean, who did a fabulous job once again. He is such a nice individual and I’m glad he is going to be on the big stage.
Top 20 eater said
April 30, 2012 @ 12:59 pm
We all love Rich and it’s great to see him on a Nathan’s stage again. However I do agree with others, it seems like a double standard for Rich (Who did 2 non Nathan hot dog contest last year), I’ve been yelled at once and have had to watch my step when it comes to non sanctuoned events in fear of getting booted… I’m not mad at Rich, actually I’d love to see him at Coney this year, I’m more mad at MLE for the double standards.
It is what is I guess. Maybe thats why some are choosing to just roll the dice and go indy.
Rhonda Evans said (Registered March 6, 2008)
April 30, 2012 @ 2:43 pm
Well said Rich! It’s too easy for some to simply spout off and make trouble, without getting the facts, which takes time and effort.
Good luck to you and Carlene in all you do!
Naader Reda said
April 30, 2012 @ 2:53 pm
Whenever you post on here, Rich, it gets right to the point. Great to see you on here again. I think some people were under the impression that you might have been a member of another organization.
http://eatfeats.com/wloce-announces-it-has-signed-rich-lefevre.html
Regardless, your tenure with MLE was legendary and it’s awesome to see you (still) perform at such a high level.
Anonymous said
April 30, 2012 @ 3:11 pm
ONCE AGAIN
You pulled the same exact same stunt last year, almost word for word. Same guy, same stage, same place, and
same time. How convenient.
Anonymous said
April 30, 2012 @ 4:31 pm
Hey Naader you blind fool ,did he not eat dogs with us last year, did he not eat spagetti with us last year? Not bad for someone thats retired””
Locust said
April 30, 2012 @ 4:38 pm
I came to watch both times. Toro and Kid Cary are my friends. They are both great guys and Toro did a PB of 15 this year and should be congratulated for his terrific effort. Kid arrived well before I did this year and must have spoken to Rich Shea about getting me in the contest. When I arrived at 3pm, two hours after having a footlong subway sandwich for lunch, Rich introduced Kid, Carlene and me to the crowd. As we were exiting the stage, Rich asked me if I’d like to be in the contest and, against my better judgment, I said o.k. I am still a fan of the sport and enjoy watching contests and seeing the eaters again. Only one, who will remain nameless, turned his back on me when I offered my hand.
anonymous said
April 30, 2012 @ 5:06 pm
Rich you are two faced opportunist who has bad mouthed other people behind their back when you did not get your way with certain things. I wont mention names or go into specifics but it’s a know fact. Toro ate 13 not 15 but then again who cares. He is not with MLE or for that matter any organization. Same line with you . I came to have fun and be with the guys. No it is not that way at all. Everytime you go to a buffet you show off and want to be the center of attention. You get off on showing off . I believe you when you said Rich asked you to be in the contest because when they think of Vegas the first person they think of is you. This is a sport and a business which comes before having fun and you can tell that to your good friend Kid Cary.
Naader Reda said
April 30, 2012 @ 5:10 pm
@Anonymous 431 indeed. Are you trying to pass yourself off as Tom Gilbert? He’s the only other common participant between the Derby Deli and spaghetti at South Point.
ojrifkin said (Registered July 27, 2005)
April 30, 2012 @ 5:17 pm
Here are the contests in the database Rich LeFevre has done over the past year:
Ron Koch said
April 30, 2012 @ 5:23 pm
Rich, I did’nt turn my back on you,I flicked you off like a flea on a dog. Your not my friend , you never were..
And thank you all my friends………..RON
Ron Koch said
April 30, 2012 @ 5:26 pm
Thank you OJ for the stats.
anonymous said
April 30, 2012 @ 6:02 pm
I find it appalling that Toro Koch and Rich live within a few miles of each other in the greatest action state of all time Vegas, and all three can’t find the time to hang out together . I tend to think there is some bitter jealousy involved and it should not be that way at all.
Anonymous said
April 30, 2012 @ 6:28 pm
It’s none of your business who anyone hangs out with. Stop trying to play gatekeeper for who does what with whom, how, and when a-6:02 pm!
Anonymous said
April 30, 2012 @ 6:29 pm
5:23 What the hell is wrong with you? I’m seriously beginning to wonder if there is a correlation with the over consumption of food and mental disease and Ronnie my boy you could be a case study. You are just embarrasing yourself.
Getting Tired said
April 30, 2012 @ 6:41 pm
Too bad my iron clad MLE contract does not work both ways and protect the minions like me who sign the dotted line. Contract? Its total BS that I can’t compete in a Indy but when ever the Shea boys want to put a indy in our contest we can’t do shit about it.
Ron Koch said
April 30, 2012 @ 6:55 pm
There is no jealousy involved, just disgust. It has nothing to do with proeating or eating period,. The friendship was always a one way deal..The rest of the reason is nobodies business..
El Toro said
April 30, 2012 @ 8:10 pm
Ron Koch is a fuckin snitch. I’ve caught him being a rat on several occasions. Ron you get no respect, and you’re a delusional moron. The shit I take every morning is worth more than your entire life. I text you and you go cry to mle that I threatened you like a liitle coward ass baby. Take a joke for once in your life puss.
Realist said
April 30, 2012 @ 8:35 pm
Here’s a hint for the whiners………….Rich and George Shea own MLE. They can do what they want. We need them more than they need any one of us. Someone will always be there to eat, but without promoters we have nowhere to eat. if you don’t like it, quit MLE.
Ron Koch said
April 30, 2012 @ 8:41 pm
6;29 You have to be one of Riches close friend if not Rich himself…so keep on kissing his a-s..Who ever you are, you mean nothing to me….
Larellmarie said (Registered May 9, 2010)
April 30, 2012 @ 8:49 pm
Anon 12:28 – well thank you for the well-wishes. I hope I get to prove you and Homeschooler wrong, nicely and compassionately lol
Rhonda – thx 🙂
anonymous said
April 30, 2012 @ 9:38 pm
This is great stuff. I love eatfeats
wasted talent said
April 30, 2012 @ 9:48 pm
El Toro is the greatest thing that ever happened to competitive eating as far as the media. The only problem is the Sheas never realized they had gold right in front of their toes
anonymous said
April 30, 2012 @ 9:51 pm
OJ, I’d be curious to know Ron’s and Rich’s results going back to their first contest. I believe it’s true that Ron has never beaten Rich in any contest. Could you verify?
Ron Koch said
April 30, 2012 @ 10:02 pm
El Toro, I am loyal to MLE and to friends.,
Ron Koch said
April 30, 2012 @ 10:16 pm
Thank you for showing me you true colors
Ron Koch said
May 1, 2012 @ 12:25 am
ElToro thanks for posting that you threatened me..Now Ill take this to my laywer and see If I can take you to court..Have a good night….
ojrifkin said (Registered July 27, 2005)
May 1, 2012 @ 1:21 am
That is correct. According to the database, Ron Koch has never finished ahead of Rich LeFevre in 21 contests
21-0-0
Ron Koch said
May 1, 2012 @ 1:27 am
This is where Rich says he is not competing in the Nathans hotdog contest and gives trainning secrets of Joey, Booker, Koby ect.,also says he does’nt prepare much for contests..Lets see, how about watermellon and cabbage
Frankfurter feeding frenzy coming to New York-New York this weekend
By Delen Goldberg (contact)
Friday, April 27, 2012 | 2 a.m.
Nathan’s Famous Inc.
Rich LeFevre, of Henderson, competes in the Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog eating contest in 2008.
Related list
Gut check: Six of the most stomach-churning eating challenges in Las Vegas Get ready. Get set. Gorge.
For the 15th consecutive year, competitive eaters from across the West Coast will converge on the Strip for a chance to battle in the nation’s most prominent hot dog eating contest.
On Saturday, New York-New York will host a qualifying competition for Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog eating contest. Winners will go on to compete in the national competition in July in Coney Island, N.Y.
The contest is sure to be a food fight worth watching. Male and female competitors will snarf down hundreds of hot dogs, complete with buns.
How do they do it?
“The top competitors train like maniacs,” said Rich “The Locust” LeFevre of Henderson, an eight-time Nathan’s contestant. The 68-year-old retired accountant won’t compete Saturday, but he and his wife were nationally ranked competitive eaters — or gurgitators, as they like to be called — for years.
LeFevre attributes his ability to natural talent. He always has been a big eater, he says, and does little to prepare for competitions.
Most of the world’s top eaters, however, dedicate themselves to the sport, just like any professional athlete would.
Joey “Jaws” Chestnut, the king of competitive eating and last year’s Nathan’s champ, spends months preparing for battle. For three months leading up to a contest, he eats as many hot dogs as he can every three days.
“Joey and the other top guys found a way to not chew,” LeFevre said. “They just force the hot dogs down their gullet, one after the other.”
Less adept competitors typically break hot dogs in two before eating them. Nearly all of the eaters soak the buns in water to break them down and make them easier to swallow.
Chestnut also drinks more than 3 gallons of water the day before a challenge to stretch out his stomach.
Other competitive eaters undergo similarly grueling regimens. Eric “Badlands” Booker chugs a gallon of water in less than two minutes every day for 10 days before a contest. Ed “Cookie” Jarvis eats nine pounds of boiled cabbage to get his gut ready. Competitive eating titan Takeru Kobayashi eats six to eight meals totaling 10,000 calories a day.
Kobayashi won the Nathan’s contest six years in a row until Chestnut bested him.
The Nathan’s competition has taken place every Fourth of July on Coney Island since 1916. Last year, Chestnut ate 62 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes to win. Female victor Sonya Thomas ate 40 hot dogs. Winners share $40,000 in prizes.
anonymous said
May 1, 2012 @ 1:35 am
I guess El Toro and Ron Koch wont be doing any more burger challenges together any time soon
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4k6ukqhSfpU
Ron Koch said
May 1, 2012 @ 1:36 am
Thanks for the stat OJ, Rich is a great eater and has the greatest hand to mouth ability in the business.
Me and him its not about the competition its just personal..
Ron Koch said
May 1, 2012 @ 3:24 am
To OJ, Once again thanks for the stats..There are many eaters I have’nt beat, the top 15 or19 but they are my friends,Imean take there shirts off their back friends..Thats the difference..I was that way between Rich, Toro and me until something was said a year and a half ago..ITS VERY PERSONAL. and it cannot be fixed..You dont say something like what was said and not beleive it. Even if there was an apology the statment was still made.I also beleive in guilty by association.
IM PRETTY DONE WITH THIS AND I SAID ALL IM GOING TO SAY..Thank you for my real friends for defending me……………RON
anonymous said
May 1, 2012 @ 9:37 am
Ron-wear a hat. There is to much sun going to your head.
Anonymous said
May 1, 2012 @ 10:18 am
Ron is having a very public and unfortunate divorce. It is difficult to even take sides as friends often do in a divorce as eatfeats is rather impersonal. The more that is said, the worse it seems to someone like me who doesn’t know what this is about and what it has to do with the grand scheme of competitive eating. Yes, it must be very personal. I guess eatfeats is a personal community for many but it seems often to bring out the negative. Use this forum as you wish, but in the end, I think that none of the eaters, Ron, Rich, Toro, are going to feel better about any of this move forward as eaters.
anonymous said
May 1, 2012 @ 11:37 am
10:18 You seem to have got it all wrong. Ron lost a custody battle to Lefevre when he tried to adopt El Toro
Carlene said
May 1, 2012 @ 1:37 pm
Ron,
You ought to be ashamed of yourself in your statement that it was a one sided friendship. Now who’s two-faced?
Anonymous said
May 1, 2012 @ 2:17 pm
No one adopts El Toro. He is his own man, and I have much respect for the guy!!
facts straight said
May 1, 2012 @ 2:48 pm
Bullshit ! i watched BB corner from 2007 on his site. He was sitting on the couch wih RIch and Carlene He lives with them Yes he was adopted
Ron Koch said
May 3, 2012 @ 12:15 am
Jermiah Jiminez. I just saw Brians column, It is amazing that you can’t post without cursing or using gangsta lingo to try to intimadate people. I guess thats s–t comming out of your mouth..I dont take threats lightly..My lawyer say I might have a case…Have a good night…..
Anonymous said
May 3, 2012 @ 11:30 am
12:15 Yo Yo Yo word up my homie, waz up?… oops sorry my speech scares ya, Hello Ronald how are you doing today? Is that better. lol
anonymous said
May 3, 2012 @ 12:17 pm
12:15 LOL LOL LOL
anonymous said
May 3, 2012 @ 12:18 pm
11:30 am LMFAO!
anonymous said
May 3, 2012 @ 12:25 pm
The only way to settle this man to man is Toro and Koch in a burger rematch
Ron Koch said
May 3, 2012 @ 1:28 pm
Ill put a end to this, I may not give a rats ass in H==L about you anymore but your greatest trait is that you are extremely loyal to your friends… Nuff said”””””’
anonymous said
May 3, 2012 @ 7:27 pm
That was great gansta, opps i mean could anomymous be mmmmmmmmmm El Zorro? oooo I mean El someone…
Long live Toro said
May 4, 2012 @ 2:14 am
El Toro is funny . I like the part in the video where he says Yo Ron check this out i got a couple questions i want to ask you . What does your breath smell like at 4 in the morning? Only the great El Toro can come up with shit like that
Anonymous said
May 4, 2012 @ 8:57 am
as someone who likes all 3 eaters, Ron your just making yourself kinda look like a douche.
anonymous said
May 4, 2012 @ 11:49 am
To 8:57, Ron told me what this is all about and I couldnt believe it..Its definatly not about eating..As his friend I told him a week is enough.Your point was made, but its enough already.Those who are his friends should call him,let him tell you himself..
anonymous said
May 4, 2012 @ 12:07 pm
its horrible thats all i have to say
anonymous said
May 4, 2012 @ 8:24 pm
BOOOOOOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOOOO
Anonymous said
May 19, 2012 @ 6:41 pm
Anon 12:28 & Homeschooler – HA! In yo face! Told ya don’t count me out for hitn at least 17! Larell Marie 🙂