Mattituck Lions Club World Strawberry Shortcake Eating Championship

Location: Mattituck, NY
Date: 06-20-2026

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Strawberries, Shortcake, Showdown: The Mattituck Lions Club Welcomes Back the World Strawberry Shortcake Eating Championship for 2026!

When early summer rolls into Mattituck, the air turns sweeter, and the stakes get a whole lot higher. The beloved Mattituck Strawberry Festival is back, and with it comes the can’t-miss centerpiece: the Mattituck Lions Club World Strawberry Shortcake Eating Championship. Set against the backdrop of the 71st anniversary of the festival, and proudly supported by Stony Brook Medicine, this iconic contest once again invites fans and competitors alike to celebrate peak strawberry season in the most delicious way possible.

A Fresh Year, A Fierce Field
Each year, the nation’s top competitive eaters gather in Mattituck with one goal: to conquer bowl after bowl after bowl of delicious strawberry shortcake in just eight minutes. In 2025, Geoff Esper retained his crown and nearly set a new record in the process. Now, all eyes turn to 2026—will he defend his title, or will a hungry challenger rise to steal the spotlight?

With a stacked field expected and a crowd ready to roar, this year’s contest promises edge-of-your-seat excitement, whipped cream-fueled drama, and the kind of unforgettable finish that only Major League Eating can deliver.

A Sweet Tradition That Keeps Growing
The championship has become more than just a competition—it’s a signature moment of the Mattituck Strawberry Festival, drawing thousands each year for a shared experience that’s equal parts spectacle and celebration. From longtime fans to first-time attendees, there’s something magnetic about the energy, the camaraderie, and yes—the sheer volume of shortcake.

Powered by Community Spirit
At the heart of it all is the Mattituck Lions Club, whose century-long commitment to community service continues to make events like this possible. The championship isn’t just about records and rivalries—it’s about bringing people together, supporting local initiatives, and showcasing the very best of Mattituck.

Don’t Miss a Moment
Whether you’re tracking every bite, cheering from the front row, or just here for the strawberries and sunshine, the 2026 Mattituck Strawberry Festival is your invitation to kick off summer in unforgettable fashion. Come hungry, come curious, and come ready to witness the next chapter in this delightfully sweet tradition.

$5,000 Total Prize Purse
🥇 1st - $2,500
🥈 2nd - $1,200
🥉 3rd - $650
🏅 4th - $400
🏅 5th - $250

The contest will take place at 5:00PM Eastern on Saturday, June 20th, 2026, at Mattituck Strawberry Festival, 1105 North Rd. Mattituck, NY 11952

Mark your calendars. Come hungry. Leave full of pride.

About Mattituck Lions Club
Find out more about the Mattituck Lions Club 71st Annual Mattituck Strawberry Festival presented by Stony Brook Medicine on our Website and Facebook.

Learn more about the Mattituck Lions Club on Twitter and Instagram

For news and results to all Major League Eating contests, like our FaceBook Page and follow @eatingcontest on Instagram & X

*All applicants must be 18 years of age or older and fully acknowledge and understand the inherent dangers and risks associated with participating in an eating contest. The applicant further acknowledges and understands that the MLE/IFOCE coordinates with event sponsor(s) to select and approve eligible participants, and that the MLE/IFOCE shall decide, at its sole discretion, whether an applicant is eligible to participate in any eating event, and/or related activities. The MLE/IFOCE may revoke an applicant's eligibility to participate in the eating contest, or related activities, at any time, for any reason, at its sole discretion. The MLE/IFOCE and the event sponsors reserve the right, at any time, to change any and all details concerning the event, including, e.g., time, duration, location and prize structure.