Last week on World Pistachio Day, Major League Eater James Webb set a new world record by cracking-and-eating 338 pistachios in just eight minutes, at the second annual Wonderful Pistachios Get Crackin’ Eating Championship at Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica, CA.
Webb’s new world record of 338 pistachios comes in ahead of last year’s record of 188, which was 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.
Wehry 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.
For the second year in a row, Major League Eating and Wonderful Pistachios have brought pistachios to the nation’s slate of sanctioned eating championships. The event is unlike any other hosted by Major League Eating before, requiring contestants to work for their food before eating it. Contestants were required to nimbly crack open each pistachio without damaging the kernel before eating it and moving on to the next.
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.
Purse:
1st = $5,000
2nd = $2,500
3rd = $1,250
4th = $600
5th = $300
6th = $200
7th = $100
8th = $50
