Go big or go home. While that’s not technically the Wonderful Pistachios® slogan, I think it should be, because the company knows how to outdo itself, as shown by its second annual Wonderful Pistachios Get Crackin’ Eating Championship. Having taken place on World Pistachio Day, the event featured big names like Major League Eater James Webb, who set a new world record by cracking-and-eating 338 pistachios in eight minutes.
Last year’s world record, according to a release, was 188—established during the inaugural event by defending champion and No. 4-ranked Nick Wehry.
Webb’s performance was victorious against newcomer and Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Joey Bosa, who ate 152 pistachios, and No. 1-ranked competitive eater in the world Joey Chestnut who ate 167 pistachios.
Nick Wehry, No. 4-ranked competitive eater, and Darrien Thomas, No. 12-ranked competitive eater, tied for second place having consumed 221 pistachios and in third place was No. 18-ranked competitive eater Steven Hammond with 191 pistachios. Additional participants at the Wonderful Pistachios Get Crackin’ Eating Championship included No. 6-ranked Gideon Oji, No. 7-ranked Bartley Weaver IV, and No. 18-ranked Steven Hammond. The competitors split a $10,000 total prize purse.
As the company noted, Major League Eating and Wonderful Pistachios have brought pistachios to the nation’s slate of sanctioned eating championships for the second year in a row. The event is unlike any other hosted by Major League Eating before, requiring contestants to work for their food before eating it.
To see how Wonderful Pistachios will top this event, stick with Deli Market News.