Philadelphia is a city full of sports and competition — even when it comes to food.
This weekend, Major League Eating’s top-ranked athletes will compete in The 2024 Benny’s Invitational Pizza Eating Championship, aka Mayhem in Manayunk.
The event, which is cited as the “spiritual successor to Philadelphia’s famed Wing Bowl” will kick off on Nov. 16, at 2 p.m., at Fat Lady Brewing.
“We are thrilled to showcase the vibrant Philadelphia foodie scene in Manayunk,” said Caitlin Marsilii, Events Coordinator at Manayunk Development Corporation in a statement. “This event promises not only to be a lot of fun, but it also highlights two local favorites, Benny’s Pizza and Fat Lady Brewing. We’re excited to host Major League Eating’s top-ranked athletes right here in the heart of Manayunk.”
The event will feature MLE’s No. 3-ranked Geoffrey Esper of Oxford, Massachusetts, No. 4-ranked James Webb of Sydney, Australia, and the No. 6-ranked Nick Wehry of Tampa, Florida. According to a release, former Wing Bowl hero Dave “U.S. Male” Goldstein, who won the local category of Wing Bowl XXI in 2013 with 266 wings, has also announced that he’s coming out of retirement to defend Philadelphia’s honor against the competition.
The competitors will face off with Benny’s “larger-than-life” 28-inch ‘Manayunk Mega Pies.’ Whoever eats the most slices will win the title of Pizza-Eating Champion of the World, (and $2,800 in prizes.) The current world record for Benny’s Pizza slices, held by reigning champion Esper, is 11.5 slices in 10 minutes, the release also notes.
“Benny’s pizza epitomizes the ultimate form of the pizza pie – combining quality, flavor and enormous quantity,” finished Major League Eating Host Sam Barclay in a statement. “Slices of these 28-inch pies are the ultimate form of nourishment, ideal for professional eaters seeking to make their mark in the world.”
The contest is one facet of a “Pizza Appreciation” event taking place at the brewery from noon to 4 p.m. The day will also feature live music and entertainment.
To find out more information on Fat Lady Brewing (4323 Main St.) and the competition, visit fatladybrewing.com
