Krystal Square Off VI Qualifer in Chattanooga

Courtesy of www.krystalsquareoff.com:

The new rule changes and sweltering August heat in Chattanooga were no obstacle today for Patrick “Deep Dish” Bertoletti, the number two-ranked competitive eater in the world.

In front of a large, boisterous crowd along the banks of the Tennessee River, the Chicago-based speed eater easily put away 42 Krystal hamburgers and five Big Angus Burgers in eight minutes. The burger count gave him a final score of 67, which includes five points for every Big Angus Burger consumed. Most importantly, the win earned Bertoletti a seat at the final table this Sept. 27 in Chattanooga, where he’ll compete live on television for the $50,000 total cash purse and attempt to unseat Joey Chestnut as the champion.

In last year’s Atlanta qualifier, under the old rules, Bertoletti ate 66 Krystals in eight minutes.

This year competitive eaters have been forced to chance their technique and strategies because of two new rule changes. First, eaters are no longer allowed to dunk their hamburgers in liquid, thus slowing their pace while eliminating “detritus.” Also new this year, every eater is given five Big Angus Burgers at the start of the competition in addition to their tray of Krystals. Each Big Angus Burger consumed adds five points to an eater’s total count.

After a round of media interviews and signing autographs for fans, we spoke with Bertoletti about today’s event. “It was really hot out here today and that always makes it tough to put up a big number but the Chattanooga crowd helped push me the full eight minutes,” said Bertoletti, who will now wait to see how the new rules affects the other pros on the circuit.

Finishing in a distant second today was Pennsylvanian pro Wild Bill Myers, with 34 Krystal Burger Points (9 Krystals, 5 Big Angus), and in third was Chattanooga’s Rick Petralia with 31 Krystal Burger Points (6 Krystals, 5 Big Angus). Super Paul Barlow, dressed in warrior paint, finished in 6th place with 26 Krystal Burger Points (1 Krystal, 5 Big Angus).

Here are the official results from today:

1. Pat Bertoletti – 67 Krystal Burger Points (42 Krystals, 5 Big Angus)
2. Wild Bill Myers – 34 Krystal Burger Points (9 Krystals, 5 Big Angus)
3. Rick Petralia – 31 Krystal Burger Points (6 Krystals, 5 Big Angus)
4. Chef Mike Nafziger – 30 Krystal Burger Points (5 Krystals, 5 Big Angus)
5. Tom Knopp – 29 Krystal Burger Points (4 Krystals, 5 Big Angus)
6. Super Paul Barlow – 26 Krystal Burger Points (1 Krystal, 5 Big Angus)
7. Dale Hines – 24 Krystal Burger Points (4 Krystals, 4 Big Angus)
8. Leroy Crowder – 24 Krystal Burger Points (9 Krystals, 3 Big Angus)
9. Heath Crowder – 20 Krystal Burger Points (10 Krystals, 2 Big Angus)
10. Brian Smith – 19 Krystal Burger Points (4 Krystals, 3 Big Angus) 11 Bryan Burns – 15 Krystal Burger Points (10 Krystals, 1 Big Angus) 11 TJ Petty – 15 Krystals Burger Points (10 Krystals, 1 Big Angus)

The next qualifier for Krystal Square Off VI takes place in San Antonio on Saturday, Aug. 29. Among the eaters already confirmed for the contest include Sonya “The Black Widow” Thomas and Erik “The Red” Denmark.

Stay tuned for more coverage from today’s event, including videos and photos and don’t forget to follow the Krystal Square Off VI on Twitter @ksquareoff.

THE KRYSTAL COMPANY

Founded in 1932, Krystal restaurants have become more than sparkling-clean eateries where friendly employees serve up fresh, delicious food. Krystal has become a cultural icon and an experience that virtually every man, woman and child in the South has shared. Nearly everyone in the region has a Krystal memory. The Krystal brand—and the great food, service, value and setting that it represents—has taken a prominent place in the South’s cultural landscape. The Krystal Company is the oldest quick service restaurant chain in the South and the second oldest in the United States. The Chattanooga, Tenn.-based company currently has nearly 400 restaurants in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia. For more information, visit www.Krystal.com.

*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.