Donahue Returns With Winchell’s Win

Shockwaves rippled through the competitive eating community on Saturday, June 12, as ‘Jalapeno’ Jed Donahue pulled off an unexpected upset by winning the Winchell’s Donut Eating Contest at the San Diego County Fair, an official stop on the Winchell’s World Donut Eating Championship Circuit.

Donahue devoured 30 ½ Winchell’s Honey-Glazed Doughnuts in eight minutes to beat a talented field of gurgitators that included Eric ‘Badlands’ Booker and Rich ‘The Locust’ LeFevre.

Booker, the #4 ranked eater in the world, and LeFevre, the #5 ranked eater in the world, each ate 30 doughnuts. Others in the field included Carlene LeFevre and upstart Tim Janus, both of whom perfromed well in the difficult donut event.

Donahue, known as perhaps the greatest jalapeno pepper eater of all time, has been inactive during the past year or so. However, his victory in the Winchell’s contest has fueled talk of a major comeback.

For his efforts Donahue earned $500 and travel/lodging for the Winchell’s World Donut Eating Championship finals in Los Angeles, CA in September.