On May 15th, 2010, the hungriest competitive eaters on the planet will gather for the Niko Niko’s World Gyro Eating Championship. Niko Niko’s, with its esteemed menu of succulent Greek and American fare, has offered $4,000 in prize money in an effort to attract top-flight competitive eaters and lovers of Greek culture to the 15th Annual Festival of Greece.
On Saturday, May 15th, MLE will return to the Festival of Greece in Houston, TX to devour Niko Niko's gyros in the Niko Niko's World Gyro-Eating Championship.
Deep Dish Bertoletti is the two-time defending champ, edging out Chestnut in '08 and Humble Shoudt in '09. Bertoletti ate 21 gyros in 2009 to retain his title. Last year's champion, Pat "DEEP DISH Bertoletti will defend his title against a field of skilled competitors including last year's second place finisher Bob "Notorious B.O.B." Shoudt. REMEMBER... the record to beat is 21 Niko Niko's Gyro's in 10 minutes!
The prize purse for this contest is $4,000:
1st-$2,000,
2nd-$1,000,
3rd-$700,
4th-$300
“Niko Niko’s and the Festival of Greece are proud to sponsor this attempt to establish a first-ever world record in gyro-eating,” said Dimitri Fetokakis, owner of Niko Niko’s. “Some competitors have expressed concern that the delicious flavor will slow them down, but we’re confident that the winning total will be jaw-dropping.”
The World Gyro Eating Championship is part of the Festival of Greece. Dimitri Fetokakis, owner of Niko Niko's Greek American Restaurant & his family, have been long time supporters of the festival. The Festival of Greece, now celebrating its 15th anniversary, is a 4-day event featuring the finest homemade Greek food & deserts, Greek wine & beer, Greek folk dancing, Greek shops, vendor booths, children's food & large play area. Part of the proceeds of the festival are donated to local charities.
Major League Eating (MLE), the world governing body of all stomach-centric sports, conducts more than 70 events annually, including the Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest in Coney Island, N.Y. The competitive eating community, which numbers more than 8,000 veteran and rookie athletes, travels the nation in search of top titles and the glory that they provide.
