Location: Reno, NV
Rich LeFevre continued his impressive winning streak at the Boomtown Casino & Hotel in Reno, NV, by downing 5.75 pounds of Maine lobster meat from the shell in 12 minutes to beat out a field of 14 eaters.
In a strong second was Bob Shoudt of Pennsylvania, who arrived from the airport only minutes before the event to compete. Third place was a tie between Joe Chestnut of California and Jason Erb of Washington State.
Designed to highlight Boomtown’s famous all-you-can-eat Whole Maine Lobster, Steak and Seafood Buffet, the challenge attracted eating greats from around the nation. Richard LeFevre’s wife, Carlene, the posole-eating champion and the world’s #7-ranked eater, performed remarkably well as did Reno’s own Spencer Thomas, a chili eating veteran.
Rich LeFevre, a distance eater, holds records in chili, Spam, veggie dogs, watermelon and more. In addition to $2,000 cash, LeFevre won a trip to Old Orchard Beach, Maine to compete in the August 13 Lobster! Lobster! World Lobster-Eating Championship.