End of 2010 poll choices part 2
A list of choices for the next batch of end of 2010 polls follows after the jump. Please make any suggestions about choices you think should be added in the comments
Eating Contest of 2010
Wing Bowl 18
TooJay’s World Class Corned Beef Eating Championship
2010 Nathan’s Finals
West Coast Hot Dog Eating Championship @ The Derby Deli
The Isle Bettendorf Maid-Rite Sandwich Eating World Championship
Television program / segment of 2010
Eating Contest for Hooter’s waitresses on CBS’ Undercover Boss
Joe Menchetti on America’s got talent
Nathan’s Finals broadcast on ESPN
Joey Chestnut vs. Team Shaq on Shaq vs.
Furious Pete 72 ouce steak video on ABC’s Winners Bracket
Stephanie Torres eats the Extreme Grizzly burrito on Outrageous Food
Movie / Documentary of 2010
The Story of Furious Pete
Book / Magazine Article of 2010
Patrick Michels’ article for the Dallas Observer
Story of the year (not pertaining to a specific contest)
Death of Patrick Van Dam in a diving accident
Takeru Kobayashi leaving MLE after the breakdown of contract extension negotiations
Takeru Kobayashi getting arrested after the 2010 Nathan’s finals
Admission by Mortimer Matz, Nathan’s promoter before the Sheas, of fabricating the Nathan’s 1916 origin story
Termination of the Krystal Square Off, the MLE contest with the largest purse
Isle Casinos becoming a major sponsor of MLE
Eating Contest reporter/photographer/videographer of 2010
Paul Barlow
Pat Bertoletti
Val Bromann
Johnnie Excel
Andrew Lane
Jo “Gavonne” Rose
“Beautiful” Brian Seiken
Bob Shoudt
Matt Stonie
Stephanie Wu
Eating Challenge reporter/photographer/videograper of 2010
Michelle “Cardboard Shell”
“Furious” Pete Czerwinski
Johnnie Excel
Andrew Lane
Grace Lee
Jessica “Queen of Cuisine”
Naader Reda
Randy Santel
“Beautiful” Brian Seiken
Matt Stonie
Maria “The Incredible Sulk”
Stephanie Torres
Stephanie Wu
Contest / Challenge result raising the most questions
Crazy Legs Conti winning the San Diego Nathan’s qualifier
Mallory Roe winning $666 for completing an Ohio gyro challenge
Lisel Parillon eating 99 tacos in under 33 minutes (in 3 sessions over one week)
Brad Sciullo finishing the 15+ pound burger from BGR Burger Joint at a Washington Wizards game
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stephanie_wu said (Registered August 17, 2010)
January 12, 2011 @ 2:55 pm
What about the Don Sturdy guys for reporter/photographer/videographer??
stephanie_wu said (Registered August 17, 2010)
January 12, 2011 @ 2:57 pm
For story of the year, what about discrepancies in the prize dollar totals given by George Shea for MLE compared to what is public information?
escondido said
January 12, 2011 @ 3:00 pm
Crazy leg wouldnt have the nerve to show his face in san diego again. They would chase him and his rank o matic hot dog gadget out of there so fast the hot dogs would fall out of the machine faster than his legs would get him to the airport
stephanie_wu said (Registered August 17, 2010)
January 12, 2011 @ 3:01 pm
Also, for story of the year, what about the new “Young Guns” movement in the sport, with new, exciting eaters such as Scott Bickel, Johnnie Excel, Adrian Morgan, Jessica “Queen of Cuisine”, Randy Santel, Matt Stonie, Steph Torres, etc. Apologies to those whom I have forgotten.
Anonymous said
January 12, 2011 @ 3:11 pm
You’re certainly one of those young guns too Stephanie. 🙂
stephanie_wu said (Registered August 17, 2010)
January 12, 2011 @ 3:42 pm
Thanks anon 3:11! Though I doubt that I am that young, or that good, for that matter haha. 🙂
And though I hate to keep adding more posts to this thread, I also nominate OJ Rifkin as Eating Contest reporter/photographer/videographer of 2010 and Eating Challenge reporter/photographer/videographer of 2010. I think most of the eating world would be lost without this site. and I know it takes a tremendous amount of work to keep it updated multiple time per day!
x said
January 12, 2011 @ 4:05 pm
Hmmmmm….. these new “young guns” actually aren’t all that exciting…. they’re afraid of eating against real eaters and learning how mediocre they are in actuality.
IFOCE eaters would whoop their asses.
AICE eaters would whoop their asses.
Competing in challenges is like playing baseball by yourself. Throw the ball up in the air, hit it, and claim you hit a home run in the world series!
It can be fun, but eventually you have to go up against some competition to find out where you stand. Competing against food isn’t a competition at all… the food can’t fight back. The food can’t sit next to you, look over and take it to the next level and make you push till you quit.
Ritz said
January 12, 2011 @ 4:25 pm
Com’on step up to the real table and get away from challenges.
Y said
January 12, 2011 @ 4:58 pm
I disagree. Last night I heard two six packs calling me and they won.
stephanie_wu said (Registered August 17, 2010)
January 12, 2011 @ 5:02 pm
Hmmmmm….. these new “young guns†actually aren’t all that exciting…. they’re afraid of eating against real eaters and learning how mediocre they are in actuality.
I’ve seen this criticism a lot on this site and I can appreciate the reasons behind it. But in defense of the new eaters, the problem with going pro is, unless you’re ranked in the top 10 or so, you won’t be winning any money and you will be paying out money for travel and hotels. And, more importantly, you will be contractually prevented from doing local challenges or contests if you wanted to pick up some extra money or have some fun. Furthermore, you wouldn’t be able to make appearances or do commercials without the permission of your league. So basically, there is no reason or advantage to turn pro unless you can crack the top 10 or so and be assured of money. Whereas an independent can do 50 or more contests/challenges a year like Joel and I have. The young guns don’t fear any eaters, pro or otherwise; it’s just that we can’t compete against them without signing away our lives.
anonymous said
January 12, 2011 @ 5:08 pm
stephanie you are not signing your life away to anything. Where are you getting this stuff from. The contracts are bull. Sheas have never taken anyone to court with that piece of paper.If you fear the MLE contract i could just imagine if you were hit with a real supeona to appear in court Most of the time they wont ever ask you to sign a contract unless they feel you have some sort of potential as an eater. Try competing in one contest and see if they shove a contract in your face. It wont happen
BUZZ said
January 12, 2011 @ 5:21 pm
Did anyone else notice EATER X throw up but kept it in with his hands but some of it still ended up coming out of his nose in the 2010 Nathan’s HDB contest? Technically shouldnt that have been a DQ?
A. Nonymous said
January 12, 2011 @ 5:39 pm
And Kobayashi should have been DQ’d the two years he did the same thing. Quit stirring the pot, BUZZ.
Matt "Mega Toad" Stonie said (Registered June 22, 2010)
January 12, 2011 @ 8:41 pm
i gotta agree with Wu (partcially cuz im one of those eaters hahahaha)
but ill just speak for myself, honestly, the only reason why i havnt made an apperence at an MLE event of any kind is cuz honestly, i couldnt….
right now im in college and i would never have the time to the to make it out, the closest MLE event to me has been in vegas and thats like 9 hours away, much less make it all over the country for stuff.
also, there is the concern that if i show up that ill have some sort of contract or w/e put infront of me that i would have to decline, and in doing that would probley cause future issues between myself and the leauge, and this isnt only my opinion, ive had some current MLE eaters/eaters who’ve dealt with the MLE say this to me as well.
So personally, if an MLE event were to pop up near my area or id get the chance to face off against an IFOCE or AICE eater id be hella down. Like in Sept. at the lobster roll eating comp in NH (i know it wasn’t MLE), knowin i was gonna face off against Joe Menchetti and Tom Gilbert.. i was sure i was gonna lose but was hella excited at the same time. BUT THATS JUST ME
(I know for a fact that there are some AM eater out there who are afarid to enter contests cuz the fear of loss/they only wanna eat something that tastes good lol)
And as far as the eating stunts go lol… i partially agree, they do get alittle monotonous from time to time XD
Cutter said
January 13, 2011 @ 12:04 am
There are not many people out there that can beat the B3 in under 20 minutes. There is no reason for me to think that Stony, Steph, Excel could not beat anybody outside of all but the most elite eaters. Simply because they choose to remain amatuers is no knock against them in my opinion. There are many good amatuers. We have all seen stuff on the internet involving these particular eaters. Anybody that thinks they get schooled by mediocre pros are crazy in my opinion. Ok guys now just enter one event, nobody will push a contract in front of you right away. Put these delusionists to rest. Or the debate can remain forever.
Confuse said
January 13, 2011 @ 6:30 am
You don’t know competitive eating. have them come to a real contest this year and say hey I am a eater.
NReda said
January 13, 2011 @ 10:15 am
There is a simple possibility – that some or none of them actually want to go pro.
Anonymous said
January 13, 2011 @ 10:33 am
It would be really nice to get rid of the train of thought that one form of competitive eating or one organization is superior to another. NReda speaks one truth. I still think that it is good to have the back and forth and have eaters discuss all things including contract or no contract but again, buyer beware. What is posted here is opinion, often based upon personal experience but often not. Sheas do not have to take anyone to court for anything though they surely have lawyers for contracts. It is good to try to remember that the real clients of the Sheas are the sponsors, not the eaters. Eaters are workers, like it or not. They can simply drop someone if they want to. I doubt any of it has anything to do with them finding out something here. They do what they think is best for their offerings, their sponsors, and sometimes their eaters. Let all eaters choose how they wish to pursue competitive eating. There is no science to these contest or challenges.
x said
January 13, 2011 @ 11:26 am
I think the “contract” has gotten blown way out of proportion – mostly by mis-information.
AICE never had need for a contract, it was “independent”, honor, integrity, until an opportunity gained through their brand, AICE, decided to cut AICE out of the picture.
As I understand it………
AICE was contacted, and said to the interested party, “This is the eater(s) you should use. We’ll arrange it.”
After the arrangements were made, the eater and the sponsor got together, and then AICE got cut out. The eater or sponsor, refused to recognize, or as I say “pimp”, the AICE brand (wear a shirt, say the name, anything)
From that point forward, AICE realized what IFOCE already knew. They had nothing to stop an eater from doing that except thier word.
AICE will let anyone eat, to this day……… it was a brotherhood, and still is…. until one of thier own turned against them.
The opportunity to compete in contests still exists…. the paper isn’t to hold you back…. it’s to protect the IFOCE/AICE brand in the event you decide to stab them in the back.
The only eaters who’d ever be stopped from doing a challenge are those that are “brand names.” And if you’re a brand name you’ve got nothing to prove by doing a challenge. You’re top 10. You’re making money. You’re getting hooked up. (reserved spots at the table) Sure you still have to win enough to pay your travel, but that’s the game. Risk/Reward
Anyone outside the top 10 that ever got “busted” for a challenge got busted because they simply weren’t someone the brand IFOCE thought was worth having around anyway.
Anonymous said
January 13, 2011 @ 12:37 pm
x makes interesting points all around. The only thing I wonder about is this. What is the full story from the perspective of the person who represented himself and became not a representative of AICE. AICE isn’t a brand imo. Neither is MLE/IFOCE. It is an organization. If AICE had no contract and no clear boundaries, it seems a squabble of interpretation. I am guessing that the person referred to is GJoe who has been a staunch independent which is why he left IFOCE. He speaks well and is never afraid to tell his perspective. (Stallion Italian).
stephanie_wu said (Registered August 17, 2010)
January 13, 2011 @ 1:06 pm
Why did Brian Subich and US Male get warning notices from MLE warning them not to participate in wing Bowl 19?
Wrecking Ball said (Registered May 6, 2010)
January 13, 2011 @ 1:15 pm
I cant say I agree with you on that X. I am most defiantly NOT a “brand name” or top 10 eater in IFOCE and I have been told on mulitple occasions from IFOCE that I am NOT allowed to participate in restaurant challenges due to the fact it is not a sanctioned MLE event. Also a local radio show was interviewing me once regarding the upcoming pickle competition and had asked if I could demonstrate on air my pickle “technique”, understanding my membership agreement and not wanting to step on any toes I asked MLE first via an email. I was responded to very quickly that MLE had no problem with me doing an interview but did not want me to eat on air due to saftey conditions. I understand MLE’s stance on not eating in non-sanctioned MLE competitions and fully support them. I don’t know who you are or your experience with MLE but I can tell you first hand what I have experienced.
Wrecking Ball said (Registered May 6, 2010)
January 13, 2011 @ 1:16 pm
@ Stephanie similar to what I just posted, I assume they got notices not to participate in Wing Bowl 19 because it is not a sanctioned MLE event.
Anonymous said
January 13, 2011 @ 1:28 pm
MLE’s long standing policy for the safety of its eaters (and their liability, no doubt) is that no eater may demonstrate in any way without the presence of an EMT. That has always been in place, perhaps even before there were contracts. That is a good policy for everyone.
Anonymous said
January 13, 2011 @ 2:21 pm
Who is x?
Facts straight said
January 13, 2011 @ 2:34 pm
anony 10:33 am The contract only protects the sheas in case they throw someone out of the organization for violating the contract and that individual decides to sue them. They sheas wont use the contract to come after you in court if you compete with a rival organization or do challenges. Its basically to protect them in case you want to take action . Get the facts straight everyone
x said
January 13, 2011 @ 3:24 pm
I’m sure the eater/sponsor who did it have a different story… but the organization side of the story is what started the whole contract thing.
Althought, AICE will let you do as many challenges as you want.
IFOCE is protecting themselves. Yes, an EMT is a good idea, noone will argue that point. But it’s because you’re one of thiers that they can’t take the risk of you dieing. It’d look really bad on them.
“IFOCE eater dies doing stunt/challenge/contest”
They’d at least be able to say you were in violation of thier contract. (Is any publicity good publicity? Maybe?)
Other bad headlines include….. “IFOCE eater fails to finish challenge” “IFOCE eater loses to random guy off the street” “Maybe Nathan’s ESPN Contest” isn’t that big a deal”
But, they can’t put it in the contract that dieing is a violation of your contract. So, they have to shut it all down.
Anonymous said
January 13, 2011 @ 5:16 pm
@facts straight so can I assume you are not Joe Larue posting this?
Wrecking Ball said (Registered May 6, 2010)
January 13, 2011 @ 5:47 pm
I don’t think anyone is worried about getting sued, I think (and this is just my opinion) that eaters are more concerned with getting kicked out of MLE.
stephanie_wu said (Registered August 17, 2010)
January 13, 2011 @ 10:05 pm
Then can someone explain why Kobayashi made such a big deal about getting out of his contract. If the Sheas weren’t going to sue him, what was all this “Free Kobi” stuff?
BUZZ said
January 13, 2011 @ 10:33 pm
oh Stephanie Woo, u have much to learn. it wasn’t so much about kobi wanting to get out of his contract, he just didnt want to agree to all the terms of it. one example, He didnt want to ask the ifoce for permission to make an appearance for TV,radio,etc
BUZZ said
January 13, 2011 @ 10:35 pm
and for you wrecking ball, , if the rankings went up to 80, you deserve the 95th spot.
Gentleman Joe said (Registered December 8, 2005)
January 13, 2011 @ 11:36 pm
It does seem that X is either talking about me or Furious Pete. If it is me I am confused. If its Pete, I must’ve never heard the whole story. Someone else?! Goose? Will?
As previously stated several times. I never left aice, it left me.
I, more than anyone have exemplified the original principles of aice to this very day.
Mostly bcuz of misunderstandings thru email, I was thrown out of aice b4 they introduced their anti-aice contract.
The main issue was Boone having me on his site. I have since requested that he remove me & I have never compEATed in one of his events.
Anonymous said
January 14, 2011 @ 1:30 am
fyi: x is not X
Larell Marie Mele said
January 14, 2011 @ 6:21 am
Even with me being a low-ranked IFOCE eater, I let IFOCE know about an upcoming newspaper article which also included a 2-minute eating demo/video. They more than graciously gave permission for both provided I had EMT on site in case anything went wrong. The contract is very specific about what is and isn’t permitted as a contracted eater so there is no confusion if an eater decides to sign. I, like Wrecking Ball, am honored to be in the IFOCE and will uphold my contract specifications.
SPBBBBMBBB said
January 14, 2011 @ 11:54 am
I’m hiring Wrecking Ball to do my campaigning for reporter/newsguy of the year….alert the minions, Sean!
NReda said
January 14, 2011 @ 12:01 pm
When I first got into this stuff, I thought having an IFOCE contract would have been cool. But, after looking around, I’m not so sure. When I look at the current IFOCE Top 50 roster, I don’t know half the people up there…dont’ know what they’ve done, what they CAN do at a table, and I don’t believe I’m alone. Even with a community forum like eatfeats, much of the professional eating talent out there remains mysterious. Because, frankly, they don’t get the headlines and can’t do anything the IFOCE doesn’t approve. Whether that’s for safety concerns or monopolization of talent is besides the point.
On the other hand, a few independent characters have managed to receive incredible amounts of attention. I’m talking about Matt Stonie, Johnnie Excel, Jessica “Queen of Cuisine,” Stephanie Wu, and a few others. They’ve never stepped up to an IFOCE event. The reasons are varied – from difficulty of transportation to a lack of events to a flat out lack of interest – but my sense is that they have more recognition within the larger eating eating community than many of the “professional eaters.” And the greater irony is that many of the names on the IFOCE roster might be able to defeat them in a head-to-head contest.
It’s all about publicity… the ability to control your brand. Lots of people on this forum complain (often anonymously) about how Stonie and Excel need to “step up to the table and eat with the big boys.”
Why? So they can become small fishes in a big ocean? I don’t see how it would serve them. Unless, of course, Excel and Stonie can break into the Top Ten. Otherwise — they will swept into a vast sea of the unknowns.
Jamminjoe said
January 16, 2011 @ 9:33 am
I really laugh at this contract talk. When I was removed from participation of mle/ifoce contests I had no contract. As I have done challenges and small local contests for years it seems someone in or close to that organization had it out for me or had resentment or they just needed a scape goat to prove they can enforce the “RULES”. I believe any/every eater should be able to eat where/when they want. The organizations are really PR firms which use CE as the vehicle for promotions. mle/ifoce want the “contact for a number of reasons, 1) let’s say Joey got a TV series, the contract states they “made” him and as such are entitled to financial compensation 2) they can claim a “brand” of exclusive eaters they can provide for their clients, etc., etc., it only protects the org. It looks like the tide is slowly turning away from the ifoce/mle being the preeminent org. while they may never completely lose the top bill the strong hold over all eaters will disappear. By the way this is my first post on this thread.
Wrecking Ball said (Registered May 6, 2010)
January 16, 2011 @ 11:36 am
@Buzz you are entitled to your opinion no matter how wrong and idiotic it may be. @SuperPaul will send out a message right now for you!
Stallion Italian said (Registered August 27, 2010)
January 16, 2011 @ 11:40 am
I have great respect for Jamminjoe as an eater and agreement that things are heavily in the favor of MLE. He and GJoe, Kobayashi and others share the philosophy about choices and made theirs. GJoe followed his beliefs and left. My question is why would JamminJoe wear a shirt from an IFOCE contest and be advertising that place in a non-sanctioned spaghetti contest?
Tell it like it is said
January 16, 2011 @ 1:15 pm
Excellent post by Jammin Joe. I agree there is nothing worse than an informant within the organization. . To my knowledge there are two troublmakers in MLE. One is still active the other inactive. Decide for yourself. MLE hates well spoken individuals such as Menchetti & Larue which is why they are no longer competing with them. Not so much the fact that they are well educated but more along the lines that they are on to their game. .
anonymous said
January 16, 2011 @ 9:20 pm
How did steph wu break ahead of torres? We all now head to head comp that Xanadu would kick her rear end and then some. Maria Sulken only 2 votes? I think she deserves at least 4 now be nice
Wrecking Ball said (Registered May 6, 2010)
January 17, 2011 @ 1:21 am
Whoever has a problem with me please put your name in the spot given..I assume nobody will man up and actually submit their name so whatever…
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Admission said
January 17, 2011 @ 4:25 am
I never thought Dale Boone would receive more votes than Joey Chestnut. It isn”t even close! As much as some people might hate to admit it, maybe Dale really is the most recognized champ worldwide. Joey still had an excellent year.
Jamminjoe said
January 17, 2011 @ 7:08 am
Stallion, I was wearing the ifoce shirt at that time as I was still an active member and was promoting the org I was associated with. I was also talking with the owner of that establishment about sanctioning that contest. That restaurant contest will go on unsanctioned by the fed but possibly by A.P.E. Basically I was promoting the sport I love and the org I was faithful to. As stated I have done challenges and small local contest for years. I always brought up the subject of sanctioning with the Owner/Management. This leads me to believe somehow there is someone who felt threatened by me or had some kind of resentment towards me. You can be sure I will not wear an ifoce shirt now.
Stallion Italian said (Registered August 27, 2010)
January 17, 2011 @ 7:57 am
Thanks JamminJoe for the explanation. Great to have this forum. Wishing you well in your eating and all things in your life, you are a force in competitive eating. Go for All!
anonymous said
January 17, 2011 @ 8:16 am
Joe you are a nice guy but at the same time quite naive. What you perceive as a good deed or allegiance to your organization is not appreciated by the sheas. They don’t see the we can work together and make things happen for the both of us scenario. After all these years it still hasn’t sunk into your head that when they don’t respond to your emails it means they are not interested or to put it bluntly don’t give a shit! Its obvious that Mike gets your emails then calls Rich or George over to the computer screen and asks them “How do i deal with this” More than likely either or both tell him ” Don’t respond back” . I might be wrong with this analogy but more than likely thats the deal. BTW if anyone out there has an idea of sponsoring their own eating event and think for one minute that the sheas will jump at your offer of cutting them a piece of the action , you are not only naive but stupid . Wake up and smell the coffee the only ideas that interest them are the ideas that originate from the sheacommunication office.
anonymous said
January 18, 2011 @ 5:02 am
8:16,,, I appreciate what you are saying and couldn’t agree more I’m not as naive as I used to be and I don’t trust all like I used too, but I still have faith in the brotherhood of CE