Video: A Full Belly and a Full Wallet for Champion Rib Eater

They came with empty stomachs and dreams of grandeur. Nine contestants partook of their fill of ribs during BBQ Fanatics first annual rib eating contest, while the crowd watched in awe as they filled those empty stomachs. And after it was over, the first champion, Larry Shaitelman of Oak Ridge, was crowned, 45 ribs heavier than when he started. Second place went to Anthony Paladino of Lincoln Park with 38 ribs. Third place was decided after a tie-breaking round, and the prize went to Jim Walstrum of West Milford.

Contestants had to eat as many ribs as possible over a period of two country songs that went on for approximately seven minutes. Meat had to be pulled off the bone with teeth, and potty breaks and "negative swallowing incidents" were strongly discouraged. In the event of a tie (which happened for third place honors), there would be a three-minute eat-off. Bones had to be clean of all meat, a determination that was made by the judges, Jefferson Township Mayor Russell Felter and Rocky Hazelman, past president of the West Milford Chamber of Commerce. At the end of the seven minutes, the judges (wearing gloves) counted the number of empty bones in front of each contestant. 

"My strategy was just to consume as many ribs as I could," Shaitelman said. "These were so good that the meat fell right off the bone."

For his efforts, Shaitelman won $150 cash, a $50 BBQ Fanatics gift certificate, a BBQ Fanatics t-shirt and bragging rights. Paladino took home $75 in cash and a $25 BBQ Fanatics gift certificate and Walstrum received $25 cash and a $15 gift certificate.