The Corn Supremacy

New Corn King downs 33 ears in S. Florida competitive eating event

Major League Eating crowned a new king of corn eating after 27-year-old Hall "Hoover" Hunt ate 33 ears of corn in 12 minutes at the South Florida Fairgrounds yesterday.

Hunt, from Jacksonville, took the title at the Sweet Corn Fiesta near West Palm Beach, beating out competitive eating luminaries such as Sonia "The Black Widow" Thomas and Crazy Legs Conti.

"Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God," Hunt told the Sun-Sentinel, citing the Bible verse literally written on his face for inspiration.

Thomas, who won the event last year by eating 32 1/2 ears of corn, was the only female contestant at this years' competition.

The 100-pound diminutive devourer of food was unimpressed after the match.

"I can handle 20 pounds of food," Thomas said. "Right now, I'm hungry."

Hunt is no slouch himself. At just 6'1", 175 pounds, he's eaten 15 1/2 pounds of grits in 10 minutes and 63 hamburgers in eight minutes. He also really enjoys oysters.

For his efforts, Hunt was given a $1,500 cash prize and a plastic corn crown.

"The drama, the human strength, it's apparent in every compression of the jaw," said announcer George Shea.

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