HAPPY WORLD PISTACHIO DAY!

In a surprising upset, Nick Wehry emerged as the victor of the inaugural "Wonderful Pistachios Get Crackin' Eating Championship" held at Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier on February 26, 2023. Wehry defeated World Champion Competitive Eater Joey Chestnut, who was considered the favorite going into the event.

Competitive eaters from across the country vied for the championship title and a $10,000 cash prize, provided by Wonderful Pistachios, America’s #1 Nut®. The event was a collaboration between Major League Eating and Wonderful® Pistachios, and was held on World Pistachio Day.

During the contest, competitors had eight minutes to crack open and eat as many Wonderful Pistachios as possible. Wehry managed to consume 109 pistachios in just 8 minutes, earning him a cash prize of $5,000.

The event was unlike any Major League Eating contest ever held, showcasing the Wonderful Pistachios brand to a wider audience. Wonderful Pistachios, part of The Wonderful Company, is the world's largest vertically integrated pistachio processor and marketer, providing Non-GMO Project Verified nuts for consumers around the world.

Major League Eating, which oversees all professional eating contests, holds approximately 70 events annually, including the Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest in Coney Island, NY.

The "Wonderful Pistachios Get Crackin' Eating Championship" was held at Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier, LA’s only admission-free amusement park. The park provided a perfect backdrop for the event, offering 12 amusement rides, 14 midway games, an oceanfront food plaza, and seaside retail shopping.

Overall, the event was a thrilling experience that kept spectators on the edge of their seats. While Joey Chestnut was expected to win, it was Nick Wehry who emerged as the surprising victor. The event successfully showcased the Wonderful Pistachios brand and provided a one-of-a-kind experience for attendees. Fans of competitive eating can't wait to see what Major League Eating and Wonderful Pistachios have in store for future events after the excitement of this year's competition.