Martorano's Masters Meatball-Eating Championship - Nov. 8

On November 8, 2009, the first-ever Martorano's Masters Meatball-Eating Championship is coming to Martorano's inside Rio!

The contestants will devour Cafe Martorano's world-famous meatballs in this utensil-only fine dining competition. $3,000 in prize money and the title of World Meatball Eating Champion is up for grabs!

The competing top-ranked Major League Eaters include #1-ranked ranked Joey “Jaws” Chestnut, who 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. Chestnut will face stiff competition as the Martorano's Masters will feature one of the most competitive fields on the MLE Circuit including the return of Rich “The Locust” LeFevre.

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.

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 contest will take place at 12:00 noon at Martorano's inside Rio - and the public is invited to attend. Come join us as we watch these competitive eating greats devour Chef Martorano's world-famous meatballs in pursuit of the World Meatball Eating Champion title!