Hungry guy scarfs down 33 hot dogs for spot in national contest

Hall Hunt stepped up to the table with cheers from the crowd, bowed his head and said a short prayer. His hat pulled backwards showing his nickname "Hoover" over an embroidered knife fork and spoon combo.

The 27-year-old Jacksonville man raised his hands and the crowd at Sam's Club in Pinellas Park went wild. Written under one eye was "1Cor" and under the other, "10:31" signifying a quote from the Bible: "So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."

Hoover and a half dozen other contestants stepped up to the table hoping for a chance at the title of Florida Hot Dog Eating Champion and a chance to compete in the Nathan's Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest in Coney Island, NY.

Five minutes in, Richard Shea, President of Major League Eating, announced a potential record pace set by Hunt.

The crowd went nuts with chants of "Hoover, Hoover" erupted. Others yelled "Eat it," and began counting down the final seconds as Hunt downed the 33rd hot dog breaking the previous record by five.

"Every time I go to a contest I'm trying to break the record," Hunt said. "I woke up. I felt really good this morning, really hungry and I was really confident I could do it God willing."

A distant second place finish went to Mierns Miernicki with 14.5 dogs and buns while Frank "The Frank" Chebetti came in third.

Surrounded by fans of all ages, Hunt posed for photos while autographing beach balls, Frisbees and tee shirts. He spoke of his next event to be aired on ESPN on July Fourth.

"My chances in the final are a long shot," Hunt said, "because Kobayashi and Joey have won the Nathan's contest so many years in a row."

Last year Joey Chestnut of San Jose, Calif., won the Nathan's contest, beating Takeru Kobayashi of Nagano, Japan, in a five-dog overtime after both ate 59 Nathan's hot dogs and buns in the 10-minute regulation match.

The Nathan's contest is sanctioned by the Major League Eating (MLE), the world governing body of eating sport. It has been held each year on July Fourth since 1916, according to archives.