Location: Chicago, IL
The nation's bravest eaters came together on Sunday, September 16th for the La Costeña "Feel the Heat" Jalapeño Eating Challenge. With mariachis beating in the distance, Chicago's hometown boy Pat 'Deep Dish' Bertoletti prevailed in what many believe is the most grueling discipline on the circuit - jalapeños.
A crowd of Chi-town fans cheered him to a 191 jalapeno performance worth $2500. The feat marked a new short form record - 6.5 minutes, due to a La Costena pepper shortage. The peppers were so piquant and in such high demand they had to cut the contest time.
In second place was Sonya Thomas with 141 jalapeños, Rich LeFevre took 3rd with 120, Hall Hunt 4th with 110, and Erik the Red took 5th with 97.
Bertoletti was last seen smiling and drinking whole milk from the carton.