SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine – Tim Janus of New York City won what was billed as the world burrito-eating championship Saturday by eating 10 3/4 burritos weighing 18 ounces each in 12 minutes.
The contest was held outside the Costa Vida restaurant before about 100 spectators with around a dozen entrants competing for $3,000 in prize money. The burritos were made of rice, black beans, pork, cheese and a mild sauce wrapped in a tortilla.
Janus, a 30-year-old day trader and aspiring pizza chef known as "Eater X," said he prepared for the event by just eating candy for a day, which he said helped clear his system.
"I love Mexican food," he said after his victory.
The burrito record holder, Eric "Badlands" Booker, has retired from competitive eating and wasn't on hand to defend his title. But other contestants who are well-known on the eating contest circuit showed up.
Among them was Sonya "The Black Widow" Thomas of Alexandria, Va., who holds a world lobster-eating title that she won in Kennebunkport and who finished second Saturday by downing 10 "Big Kahunas."
Other eaters included Jason "Crazy Legs" Conti and Tim "Gravy" Brown.
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