America's Tastiest Food Eating Competitions

Over the past few years, watching Joey Chestnut devour 62 hot dogs in one go has attained a new level of utter fascination. The Travel Channel's not helping, what with "Man v. Food" and other competitive eating shows gaining traction (those marathons are difficult to turn off) and with the assistance of the Major League Eating Corporation, food competitions of all shapes, sizes, and flavors have sprung up all across America. They're fine-tuning the art of eating just about anything for sport.

Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Competition held every year on July 4th is inarguably the most famous of the bunch. But there is quite literally a challenge for anyone. Down South in Florida, food lovers can try to prepare themselves for the Nitally's Inferno Soup Challenge. Only fools would think you could slurp this challenge up, though. The soup's filled with Ghost Peppers, making this one of the spiciest competitions you can enter.

A little further west, you'll find yourself at the Tamale Eating Championship in Texas. Last year's winner, Tim "Eater X" Janus, who boasts a record of 59 tamales in 12 minutes, took home both the coveted cash prize and tamale glory. Sounds too ambitious for just one person? California's 30″ Pizza Challenge at Luigi's at the Beach in San Diego grants you a partner to help out as you vie for a spot on the venerated Wall of Fame. Start there and work your way up to giving the oyster-eating champ (and record-setter) a run for her money at the Acme Oyster Eating Championship.

Each state across America has their own take on food competitions that showcase local flavors, spices, and specialty dishes. Whether you try your luck and see how much you are able to down in mere minutes or watch in awe as competitive eating pros down more food than you thought you could shake a stick at, these food competitions are an extreme (and extremely fun) way to get to know our great states from coast to coast.

Click here to see the Tastiest Food Eating Competitions Slideshow.