This is SB. I was able to post some words as the weekend unfolded but I've had opportunity to think about things, so hopefully these thoughts make sense as I review the weekend. First, here's the set up:
1. Event -
Big Daddy Burger Contest is Back in Vegas
History will be made on January 21, 2006 at 1 p.m. when competitive eating’s finest gurgitators descend upon the Plaza Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, NV, for one of the sport’s greatest eating contest challenges: devouring the monstrous nine-pound Big Daddy Burger at the Plaza Casino Big Daddy Burger Eating Contest.
Sonya Thomas, the top ranked eater in the United States, will attempt to break her 2005 world record of devouring the famed burger in 48 minutes and 10 seconds. However, the Black Widow will face stiff competition.
The pride of Las Vegas, meanwhile, will rest on the shoulders of Rich "The Locust" LeFevre, a local resident and the #6 ranked eater in the entire world, with records including 10 lbs of chili in 10 minutes.
There will be $12,000 in prize money on the line, broken down as follows: $4,000 for first place; $2,500 for second place; $1,500 for third place; $1,000 for fourth place; $750 for fifth place and $450 for sixth, $300 for seventh and $200 for eighth place.
“The nine-pound Big Daddy Burger is perhaps the most challenging food in the history of competitive eating,” said Richard Shea, President of the International Federation of Competitive Eating (IFOCE). “This is our Mount Everest.”
“The rule at the Plaza is ‘the bigger, the better,’” said Phil Flaherty, COO of the Plaza. “So we are working with the IFOCE to put together the most outrageous and spectacular eating event the public has ever seen.”
The event will be held in the new Plaza Showroom, located directly off the casino floor. Competitors must be at least 21 years of age;
The Plaza Hotel and Casino, a spectacular Las Vegas destination, offers an array of classic and innovative table games and slot machines, downtown’s premiere gourmet restaurant; the glass-domed Center Stage, dynamic entertainment and sporting events and an array of amenities. Guests may call (702) 386-2110 or (800) 634-6575 for more information and/or hotel reservations.
2. Competitors, their current IFOCE rank, and their pre-comp odds -
Sonya Thomas, #2 2/1
Joey Chestnut, #3 6/1
Tim Janus, #7 7/1
Crazy Legs Conti, #19 10/1
Rich LeFevre, #6 10/1
Bob Shoudt, #11 12/1
Ron Koch, #8 20/1
Eric Booker, #5 30/1
Jed Donahue, #16 40/1
Allen Goldstein, #22 50/1
Bubba Yarbrough, #28 75/1
Chip Simpson, unranked but soon to be highly-ranked 100/1
Hall Hunt, #30 and rising 125/1
Andrew Lane, unranked 125/1
Erik Denmark, unranked 150/1
