Rob Burns Takes UK Championship

Rob Burns, a diminutive first-time eater from Birmingham, England, won the UK Eating Championship by downing 18 pork pies in 12 minutes, just edging out Andrew Koceen of London, who consumed 17, and Irish oyster eating champion Jimmy Glackin, who placed third with 11.

Burns will move on to represent great Britain in the Nathan's Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest. The event took place at the Newark Showgrounds, 30 minutes from Nottingham. A crowd of nearly 500 cheered on the British gurgitators in the event, which will be featured in a Channel 4 documentary. An article in a UK-based publication explores the possibilities for eating to become an Olymipc sport.