HAPPY WORLD PISTACHIO DAY! In a surprising upset, Nick Wehry emerged as the victor of the inaugural "Wonderful Pistachios Get Crackin' Eating Championship" held at Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier on February 26, 2023. Wehry defeated World Champion Competitive Eater Joey Chestnut, who was considered the favorite going into the event.
Competitive eaters from across the country vied for the championship title and a $10,000 cash prize, provided by Wonderful Pistachios, America’s #1 Nut®. The event was a collaboration between Major League Eating and Wonderful® Pistachios, and was held on World Pistachio Day.
During the contest, competitors had eight minutes to crack open and eat as many Wonderful Pistachios as possible. Wehry managed to consume 109 pistachios in just 8 minutes, earning him a cash prize of $5,000.
The event was unlike any Major League Eating contest ever held, showcasing the Wonderful Pistachios brand to a wider audience. Wonderful Pistachios, part of The Wonderful Company, is the world's largest vertically integrated pistachio processor and marketer, providing Non-GMO Project Verified nuts for consumers around the world.
Major League Eating, which oversees all professional eating contests, holds approximately 70 events annually, including the Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest in Coney Island, NY.
The "Wonderful Pistachios Get Crackin' Eating Championship" was held at Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier, LA’s only admission-free amusement park. The park provided a perfect backdrop for the event, offering 12 amusement rides, 14 midway games, an oceanfront food plaza, and seaside retail shopping.
Overall, the event was a thrilling experience that kept spectators on the edge of their seats. While Joey Chestnut was expected to win, it was Nick Wehry who emerged as the surprising victor. The event successfully showcased the Wonderful Pistachios brand and provided a one-of-a-kind experience for attendees. Fans of competitive eating can't wait to see what Major League Eating and Wonderful Pistachios have in store for future events after the excitement of this year's competition.
FINAL RESULTS: First Place, Nick Wehry - 109 Pistachios; Second Place, Adrian Morgan - 102 Pistachios; Third Place, Miki Sudo - 100 Pistachios.
PISTACIO SHOWDOWN
Crack open the shells,
And dig out the nuts,
Competitive eating,
Brings cheers and guts.
In Santa Monica,
The contest began,
Top eaters vying,
For cash in their hand.
Joey Chestnut,
The world champion renowned,
But Nick Wehry,
This time wore the crown.
The audience thrilled,
As pistachios flew,
An event so unique,
Wonderful Pistachios anew.
A celebration of taste,
And the nut that we adore,
The first of its kind,
Leaves us wanting more.
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Fabian Lewkowicz is an award winning Santa Monica-based professional photojournalist and press photographer, and the creator of the photo blog, Santa Monica Close Up. With years of experience as a staff photographer for several media outlets including the Santa Monica Daily Press, Santa Monica Mirror, Santa Monica Observer, and the Santa Monica Corsair, Fabian has captured some of the most iconic moments of Santa Monica.
Fabian's photographs have been exhibited in a variety of settings, including museums, art galleries, hospitals, department stores, banks, fire stations, police stations, commercial buildings, amusement parks, offices, and homes. His photography captures the essence of Santa Monica, from its beautiful landscapes and stunning sunsets to its unique culture and diverse community.
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