Competitive Eaters Embark on Nathan

The 2006 Nathan's Famous hot dog-eating circuit begins.

Florida residents Joe LaRue (sweet corn champion) and Hall Hunt will battle out-of-staters Crazy Legs Conti, Larry McNeil, Loren Yarbrough and Erik the Red in the first Nathan's qualifier of the year.

The recently absent Ed Taboada Jr. will also be looking to make a comeback at the event, which will be held prior to the Florida Panther's game in Sunrise, Florida. IFOCE color man Ryan Nerz, author of the recently published Eat This Book, will provide play-by-play.