MAJOR LEAGUE EATERS FACE OFF AT RIO IN LAS VEGAS AT
MARTORANO’S MASTERS MEATBALL-EATING CHAMPIONSHIP
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On Sunday, November 8th, a host of top-ranked Major League Eaters, including #1-ranked Joey “Jaws” Chestnut, will meet at Martorano’s inside Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino for the first-ever Martorano’s Masters Meatball Eating Championship. The winner will be distinguished as a world meatball-eating champion and take home the lion’s share of a $3,000 total cash purse.
Chestnut has won the last three July 4th hot dog eating contests and secured dozens of other Major League Eating contests including funnel cake, ribs and kolaches. Martorano’s Masters, however, will be Chestnut’s first competition since falling to Takeru Kobayashi in the world hamburger eating championship this past September.
LeFevre, the 65-year old MLE legend and Henderson resident, will be coming out of retirement in hopes of claiming the inaugural Martorano’s Masters title. LeFevre is a veteran of the sport with world records in many disciplines including Spam, chili and huevos rancheros. News of LeFevre’s return has rocked the Major League Eating world.
“Many believed we would never see LeFevre at the competition table again,” said George Shea, Chairman of Major League Eating, “but I am told that he is too familiar with the succulent Martorano’s meatballs to witness someone win the title on his home turf.”
Other top contenders include rookie upstart Ben Monson and #3-ranked Bob Shoudt, who has been dubbed the “Victorious B.O.B.” after a string for four consecutive Major League Eating victories in September including burritos, grits and chili spaghetti.
The 10-minute contest will feature Martorano’s world famous meatballs prepared by chef/owner Steve Martorano . In an effort to fully honor and respect Martorano’s meatballs, competitors must use utensils during the contest, a stipulation that will further test the skill of the eating professionals.
"I am very excited to host the Martorano's Masters Meatball Eating Championship at my restaurant in Las Vegas ," said Steve Martorano . "The competitors will be eating one of the world's best meatballs so they might even slow down to enjoy the taste."
The MLE-sanctioned contest will take place at 12:00 noon and the public is invited to attend.
About Martorano’s
Martorano's features traditional Italian-American cooking developed exclusively by resident owner/cook/DJ Steve Martorano . With locations in Fort Lauderdale, FL and the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino Las Vegas, the top Zagat rated restaurant offers a unique atmosphere that combines exceptional food with extraordinary music. For more information visit www.cafemartorano.com
About Major League Eating
Major League Eating (MLE), the world governing body of all stomach-centric sports, conducts more than 80 events annually, including the Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest in Coney Island, N.Y. Current MLE initiatives include MLE: The Game, now available on Nintendo Wii, and the newly formed ‘MLE Asia.’ Since last Thanksgiving, MLE has raised over $45,000.00 for hunger related charities such as Second Harvest and the Food Bank for New York City . 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.
Event Info:
WHAT: Martorano’s Masters Meatball-Eating Championship
WHERE: Café Martorano
Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino
3700 W. Flamingo Road
Las Vegas , NV
WHEN: Sunday, November 8th
TIME: 12:00 pm
COST: FREE
