PHILADELPHIA, PA — The culinary spotlight shines brightly on Philadelphia as the city prepares to host the 2024 Benny’s Invitational Pizza Eating Championship, an event that promises to be a defining moment in the competitive eating landscape. Scheduled for November 16, 2024, this much-anticipated contest will take place at the Fat Lady Brewery on 4323 Main St in Manayunk, beginning at 2:00 p.m. ET. The championship is set within a broader pizza appreciation festival running from noon to 4:00 p.m., featuring live music and entertainment to enhance the festive atmosphere.
Billed as “Mayhem in Manayunk,” the championship invites top-ranked athletes from the Major League Eating circuit to engage in a fierce contest, battling to consume as many slices as possible of Benny’s iconic 28-inch ‘Manayunk Mega Pies.’ With a prize pool of $2,800 at stake, participants will vie for the prestigious title of Pizza-Eating Champion of the World.
The event will feature renowned competitive eaters, including the current world record holder Geoffrey Esper from Oxford, MA, who achieved an astonishing feat by consuming 11.5 slices of Benny’s Pizza in just 10 minutes. This achievement is particularly impressive when considering Esper’s record of devouring 83 standard pizza slices in the same timeframe. Among the challengers are James Webb from Sydney, Australia, and Nick Wehry from Tampa, FL, both of whom hold significant rankings in the competitive eating world.
In a move that has stirred local enthusiasm, Philadelphia’s own Dave “U.S. Male” Goldstein will return to the competitive scene. Goldstein, celebrated for his triumph in the 2013 Wing Bowl, steps out of retirement to defend his city’s culinary honor against formidable national and international competitors.
Caitlin Marsilii, Events Coordinator at the Manayunk Development Corporation, expressed excitement about the event’s impact on the local foodie scene. “We are thrilled to showcase the vibrant Philadelphia foodie scene in Manayunk,” Marsilii stated, underscoring the event’s dual purpose as entertainment and a tribute to local culinary excellence. The championship also highlights esteemed local establishments Benny’s Pizza and Fat Lady Brewing, reinforcing their significance in the community.
Benny’s Pizza has quickly established itself as a staple in Manayunk, renowned for its colossal slices that appeal to true pizza lovers. Owner Nick Bosch encapsulates the essence of Benny’s offerings, describing them as a perfect blend of quality and quantity designed to satisfy even the most voracious appetites.
As the date draws near, anticipation mounts among pizza enthusiasts and competitive eating fans alike. The 2024 Benny’s Pizza Eating Championship is set to deliver a memorable experience, celebrating both the art of pizza and the thrill of high-stakes competition.
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