How to See Competitive Eating Events

Competitive eating is a sport. As with any sport, there are events where you can go cheer on your favorite. One of the most popular eating events is the Nathan Hot Dog Eating Contest. It has been held every year at Coney Island on July 4 since 1916. But if you're thinking outside the hot dog bun, read on and see what else is in store for you.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Search the internet for information on competitive eating. The Competitive Eating Events and the International Federation of Competitive Eating Web sites offer information on everything from schedules to records.
2. Pick a food that interests you. There are contests for hot dogs, tamales, chicken wings, chili cheese fries, pies, sweet corn and even deep-fried asparagus spears to name just a few.
3. Decide how far you are willing to travel to see an event. Events such as the Nathan Hot Dog Eating Contest hold local qualifiers throughout the country.
4. Look up the individual events on these Web sites to determine location, dates and times of any events that match your food interests with the distance that you are willing to travel.
5. Purchase tickets and make travel arrangements if needed.
6. Remember to check for television listings as well. If you are new to watching competitive eating you may want to watch it on television first.
7. Attend a sanctioned event. You want to enjoy your trip to the contest and not see someone get injured. The International Federation of Competitive Eating (IFOCE) has saftey guidelines in place at all events including the need for EMS personnel.

Tips & Warnings

• These websites also offer tips and strategies on competitive eating which can provide insight into the event you will be witnessing.
• While watching competitive eating events is not dangerous, if you choose to try competitive eating yourself, you should look into all the health issues that it involves.
• While watching competitive eating events is not dangerous, if you choose to try competitive eating yourself, you should look into all the health issues that it involves.
• The IFOCE does not recommend speed eating for anyone under the age of eighteen.