Location: Elk Grove, CA
ESPER'S ELITE YEAR CONTINUES WITH PUMPKIN PIE DOMINATION!
Elk Grove, CA The 2017 installment of the Elk Grove Giant Pumpkin Festival World Pumpkin Pie Eating Championship belonged to Geoffrey Esper. He ate 15.75lb of pie in eight minutes to secure the win and $2,500. His win was thorough, complete and dominant. He lead from the first minute to the last and never looked in trouble. He ate cleanly, never needing to stop to deal with crust debris, like so many of his rivals on this day. He was methodical. He was businesslike. Other synonyms one could use to describe his performance include, but are not limited to: analytical, deliberate, disciplined, efficient, meticulous, orderly, precise, structured and systematic.
Esper is all of these things at the MLE table. He does not rush, he does not falter. And when he does not win, it is not because of errors on his part. Sometimes, others do better. Life teaches this lesson daily. The key to success is don’t beat yourself. Maintain possession. Don’t turn the ball over. Get on base. Make your free throws. Esper does all of these things and he does them well.
Congratulations to Pumpkin Pie debutante Gideon Oji for a solid second-place finish. Miki Sudo finished second to round out the podium. Others ate less.
A hearty round of applause and thanks to Elk Grove Police Officer Kristina Ramirez, who consumed three-and-a-half pounds of pumpkin pie in eight minutes to finish top among the community eater entrants in the event. For her efforts, the Cosumnes CSD—the hosts of the Elk Grove Giant Pumpkin Festival—donated $350 to the charity of her choice, End of Watch, a group that supports families of law enforcement officers and employees experiencing tragedy.
Full results below.
FULL RESULTS! 1. Geoffrey Esper, 15.75lb of Pumpkin Pie in 8 min 2. Gideon Oji, 9.5lb 3. Miki Sudo, 9lb 4. Steve Hendry, 8lb 5. Pablo Martinez, 6lb 14oz 6. Ryan Buicko, 4.5lb 7. Sergio Reyes Raya, 4.25lb 8. Jon Davis, 3.75lb 9. Kristina Ramirez, 3.5lb 10. Dan Davis, 3.25lb 11. Rod Brewer, 3lb 12. Mary Bowers, 2.5lb 13. Alex Moose Perez, 2lb 14. Nick Flores, 1.75lb 15. Joel Steinberg, 1.5lb
This contest took place at 1.30pm Pacific, on Sunday, October 8th, 2017, at the Strauss Island Stage at Elk Grove Regional Park, Elk Grove Florin Rd, Elk Grove, CA!
All About The Elk Grove Giant Pumpkin Festival! The annual Elk Grove Giant Pumpkin Festival welcomes guests of all ages to Elk Grove Regional Park over the first weekend in October. What began in 1994 as a small harvest celebration is now Elk Grove’s largest family festival and will attract an estimated 45,000 guests this year.
Some of California's heftiest pumpkins will weigh off at the festival. The festival has something for everyone with attractions including the Elk Grove World Pumpkin Pie Eating Championship, pumpkin recipe contest, scarecrow-making contest, kids’ zone, live entertainment, an art walk, and a race across the lake between giant pumpkin boats!
The Elk Grove Giant Pumpkin Festival is hosted by the Cosumnes Community Services District (CSD) Parks and Recreation Department in partnership with many sponsors. Admission is FREE. Parking inside the park is $10. A portion of festival proceeds benefit local youth and service organizations.
CLICK HERE for more information on the Elk Grove Giant Pumpkin Festival!
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*All applicants must be 18 years of age or older and fully acknowledge and understand the inherent dangers and risks associated with participating in an eating contest. The applicant further acknowledges and understands that the MLE/IFOCE coordinates with event sponsor(s) to select and approve eligible participants, and that the MLE/IFOCE shall decide, at its sole discretion, whether an applicant is eligible to participate in any eating event, and/or related activities. The MLE/IFOCE may revoke an applicant's eligibility to participate in the eating contest, or related activities, at any time, for any reason, at its sole discretion. The MLE/IFOCE and the event sponsors reserve the right, at any time, to change any and all details concerning the event, including, e.g., time, duration, location and prize structure.