Thomas Edges Booker at Harrah's

Badlands Booker and Sonya Thomas engaged in hard-fought battle in St. Louis, trading ravioli for ravioli at the Harrah's World Toasted Ravioli Eating Championship.

Booker was in a zone and remained tied with Thomas until the eight minute mark, when The Black Widow began to eke out a lead, one ravioli at a time. The crowd appeared evenly split, alternately calling out Booker's name and chanting: "Sonya, Sonya."

When the whistle blew at 12 minutes, Booker was a quarter pound shy of Thomas, who continues to amaze in a variety of events. Thomas consumed a total of 4 pounds of the Charlie Gitto's toasted ravioli to win $2,500, while Booker ended with 3.75 pounds for $1,250.

In third place was Eater X, Tim Janus, who consumed 3.25 pounds of ravioli and took home $750. Crazy Legs Conti placed fourth, earning $500 on the first leg of a two-leg journey that concludes tomorrow in New Mexico.

Also on hand were Cade Hardin and Frank Wach, who plowed through incredible amounts of the ravioli, a delicacy that was both delicious and very difficult to eat quickly in competition.

Harrah's St. Louis recently achieved the title of leading casino in the state and boasts a remarkable new renovation. The hotel offers 500 rooms, a 110,000 square foot casino and an array of dining that includes the St. Louis favorite, Charlie Gitto's.