If a lack of major league sports action has been eating at you lately, an online food competition starting Friday promises to offer more than a taste of what you’ve been craving.
Dubbed the BetOnline Quarantine Challenge by promoter Major League Eating, the event boasts an appearance by San Jose’s Joey Chestnut, 36, the No. 1 eater in the world. The broadcast begins at 4 p.m. Pacific Time April 17 on MLE’s YouTube channel as well as other platforms.
The bracket-style elimination tournament will have eight of the world’s top eaters competing from their homes via video. The event begins with a qualifying round on Friday, then continues with quarter- and semi-final rounds on April 19 and 21. The champion will be crowned April 22.
Chestnut is famous for winning the Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest 12 times.
Also participating will be San Jose’s Matt Stonie, 27, who has eaten 255 Peeps in five minutes and in the past has challenged and beat Chestnut at the Nathan’s contest.
The money up for grabs in the tournament is $11,500, with $5,000 going to the winner. Major League Eating and BetOnline.ag are donating $10,000 to Feeding America, a hunger relief group.