Boysenberry pie-chomping champ named at Knott’s
By amusementtoday | March 23, 2016
BUENA PARK, Calif. — Knott’s Berry Farm’s Calico Stage became a “berry” 
messy scene March 19 as pie eaters from across the nation competed for a $4,000 prize purse and the title of World Boysenberry Pie-Eating Champion.
Internationally top-ranked competitive eater Joey “Jaws” Chestnut successfully defended his ownership of the title, which he first claimed at Knott’s last year. Chestnut set a new world record by shoveling down 14.5 pounds of pie in eight minutes. That bested his record of 14 pounds — or seven whole pies consumed — set in 2015.
Chestnut nabbed a $2,000 prize for his gluttonous gamesmanship. Steve Hendry, with 10.25 pounds of pie stuffed, took second and a $1,000 prize. Landing in third and fourth places by gobbling 9.5 pounds and nine pounds of pie, respectively, were Miki Sudo ($600 prize) and Michelle Lesco ($300 prize).
Rich LeFevre and Justin Mi tied for fifth place with each scarfing down 8.5 pounds of pie, sharing a $100 prize.
The event, which took place during the park’s 16-day Boysenberry Festival, was sanctioned by Major League Eating — a global organization that has developed and oversees the sport of competitive eating and conducts about 80 contests annually. —Dean Lamanna
