Conti Battles for his Mother

Crazy Legs Conti of New York City will make his way to Acoma Pueblo, New Mexico, this weekend in a moving effort to win his mother the perfect Christmas gift – traditional Acoma pottery.

Conti, 33, accomplished competitive eater and window washer by trade, will pay his own way to fly to the famed city to compete in Sky City Casino’s World Posole-Eating Championship on Nov. 21, where prizes of cash and authentic Acoma Pueblo pottery totaling more than $5,000 will be on the line.

Conti’s mother loves Acoma more than anything in the world, except her son.

“While some competitor’s eyes will be on the green this Sunday, I will be thinking of my mom’s face on Christmas morning when she opens the box and sees those clay pots,” said Conti. “In my heart of hearts, I know I can’t lose.”

However, the competition will be fierce. On hand will be a field of professional and local competitors including Rich and Carlene LeFevre of Henderson, NV, the first couple of competitive eating and Conti’s biggest threat in his quest for clay. Rich, known by fans as ‘The Locust,’ is the #3 ranked eater in the world and eaten 1-½ gallons of chili in 10 minutes.

Conti’s mom Rona Conti, a pottery collector and ceramics aficionado, has been moved by her son’s dedication and sacrifice of body, mind and wallet.

“Jason Crazy Legs has always been a dutiful son,” said Mrs. Conti. “I am confident in his gastric abilities, but win or lose I love him just the same.”

The prizes will be as follows: First Place: $2,077.00 ($777 cash, $1,300 pottery); Second Place: $1,250.00 ($500 cash, $750 pottery); Third Place: $850.00 ($350 cash, $500 pottery); Fourth Place: $600.00 ($250 cash, $350 pottery); and Fifth Place: $400.00 ($150 cash, $250 pottery).

The IFOCE is handling registration and those 18 and over who are interested in competing can call (212) 627-5766 or email posole@ifoce.com.

The Sky City Casino is quickly gaining a reputation as one of the nation’s premiere gaming destinations. Acoma received the name "Sky City" by being perched atop a 70-acre sandstone mesa rising 367 feet above the valley floor. Descendants of the "ancient ones", also referred to as the Anasazi, the Acoma people settled into this desert landscape soon after their departure from sites such as Chaco Canyon as early as 800 A.D.