Cincotti Sets New Chili Eating Record!

Orlando, FL 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