With a packed house and a herd of hungry competitors, Qdoba’s Tuesday night burrito-eating contest showed no mercy.
The single-elimination, bracket-style tournament started Tuesday and will take place over a four week period. Sixteen teams entered the contest.
For a $5-per-person entry fee, competitors broke into teams of three. Two members of each team were given 22-ounce burritos (the third member is a back-up), which they ate, one after the other, relay style.
The teams faced off into individual matches (8 total); the first team of each match to finish both burritos won.
Teams will be eliminated week by week until only two teams are left. The first place team receives free burritos for a year.
Ganim Shihadeh has been the co-owner of the Qdoba in Bowling Green since 2004. He said the contest has been going on since 2006 and always has a pretty good turnout.
“A lot of other Qdoba’s do this burrito eating contest so we thought it would bring a lot of publicity to our Qdoba in Bowling Green,” Shihadeh said. “We don’t profit at all and we actually lose money, but it’s great to see so many people come out and have fun and try to win.”
The fastest total time last night went to team BW’s, with two burritos consumed in 2 minutes and 59 seconds. The fastest individual burrito was eaten in 57 seconds.
Senior Tom Parker was last November’s individual winner with a time of 1 minute and 56 seconds. He also competed in last night’s contest.
“The uncomfortable burrito coma is worth it,” Parker said. “It’s actually funny because I end up saving so much money eating at Qdoba all the time and that’s the only reason I continue to do these contests. I’m a walking advertisement, I should get paid.”
Preparation for the contest seemed to be the key strategy for some competitors. Freshman Morgan Ward, a member of team Nap Time, said her light eating leading up to the contest left her hungry enough to win.
“I ate oatmeal for breakfast and then we decided to skip class to do this,” Ward said. “It was really fun but it kind of sucks we couldn’t enjoy the burrito. Next week we’re going to practice and eat apple sauce and pudding beforehand so we won’t get as full.”
The next round of the tournament will be next Tuesday at 7 p.m. The team with the biggest fan support will receive free chips and queso.