Location: Orlando, FL
CINCOTTI SETS NEW CHILI EATING RECORD!
He wouldn't call it an upset, of course, for he is the Mutiny. But for the thousands of faithful basking under the blue umbrella sky above the 9th annual Orlando Chili Cookoff that's exactly what it was. Carmen Cincotti, the #2-ranked eater in the world, hit the three-pot: He won the World Chili Eating Challenge, set a new World Record in the discipline and bested his arch foe Joey Chestnut by a notable margin. At 0:00 on the clock, it was 9.75 32oz bowls of chili for Cincotti, less for everyone else. During the announcement of the results on stage, Cincotti made the same hand gesture he made before the start of the contest—cheaply caressing his thumbs and index fingers together as if to suggest, nay declare, that it would be he who left with the cash. He did.
Cincotti was fast, smooth and lead from the starter’s whistle. He would battle with Geoffrey Esper most closely in the event; Esper would finish in second with 8.75 bowls. Close behind was Darron Breeden, who finished in third with 8.5, a full bowl ahead of fourth-place finisher Chestnut, who consumed 7.5 bowls. Chestnut was undefeated in this event over the first five years of its existence. The Great One was gracious in defeat. It was not his day; other days will be. Sudo and Oji rounded out the money spots.
And thus the 2018 MLE season begins. Cincotti with a clear statement win. Esper continuing his dominant 2017. Breeden scoring his first win over Chestnut and proving he belongs at the pointy end of the MLE rankings. Chestnut knowing how good his competition truly is. May it be a season of greatness and joy. See you on the road. Full results below.
FINAL RESULTS! 1. Carmen Cincotti 9.75 32oz bowls of chili in 6 min; 312oz; 2.438 gallons 2. Geoffrey Esper 8.75 3. Darron Breeden 8.5 4. Joey Chestnut 7.5 5. Miki Sudo and Gideon Oji 6.75 7. Badlands Booker 4 8. Sylvia Tough 1.5
This contest took place at 4:30pm local time on Saturday, February 17, 2018 at the Northwestern Mutual Orlando Chili Cook-off, Orlando Festival Park, 2911 East Robinson St., Orlando, FL 32803
ABOUT THE WORLD CHILI EATING CHALLENGE AT THE ORLANDO CHILI COOK-OFF! Mark your calendars and prep your taste buds for February 17th, 2018 when Orlando will host the 9th Annual Northwestern Mutual Orlando Chili Cook Off featuring the 6th Annual World Chili Eating Challenge at Festival Park in Orlando. The event has grown from a neighborhood cook-off started by Orlando locals to Orlando's premier chili event. With over 100,000 samples of chili served and 15,000 attendees, each year the event exceeds expectations and has raised over $280,000 for deserving charities like Alex's Lemonade Stand, Special Olympics Florida, Kiwanis Clubs of Greater Orlando and several other local charities. Everyone from foodies, to beer connoisseurs and music fans enjoy this fun, family-friendly event centered on tasty chili, great live music, and good times. Loyal attendees have come to expect the cook-off to offer a good time, for a great cause, and the ninth annual event will be sure to offer nothing less.
This event would not be possible without the help of its sponsors, especially the presenting sponsor Northwestern Mutual, or the nearly 250 volunteers that come out to lend a hand. The event is produced by Events for Change, a non-profit 501(3)(c) organization that operates under a “good times for a great cause” philosophy.
“We’re excited to continue to bring this event to the Central Florida community and even happier that it benefits local deserving charities,” says President Kenneth Roberts.
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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.