Chestnut, Stone to face off at Seventh Annual Niko Niko’s World Gyro-eating championship

Major League Eating’s top-ranked eater, Joey Chestnut, will face off against his fiercest rival, Matt Stonie, at the 7th Annual Niko Niko’s World Gyro-Eating Championship on Sunday, May 18, 2014. Niko Niko’s, the Greek restaurant staple of Houston for over 36 years, is offering $5,000 in prize money at the contest.

“After the record-breaking show they put on last year, we are excited to welcome Joey, Matt and all the competitors back to Houston and back to Greek Fest,” said Dimitri Fetokakis, owner of Niko Niko’s Greek & American Café. “2014 is going to be a big year for Niko Niko’s and the Gyro Eating Championship is a great start to our summer.”

Stonie, runner-up for the past two years, has already defeated defending champion Chestnut once this year, and he would love nothing more than to score another victory against the world’s greatest eater. Chestnut, however, will be defending his title and seeking to set a new world-record in the gyro-eating discipline.

Looking to upset them both is top-ranked female eater, Miki Sudo, who has beaten both Chestnut and Stonie. Rounding out the field of Major League Eating are veterans Adrian “The Rabbit” Morgan, Juan Rodriguez, Alexander Perez and Texas’ own “Nasty” Nate Biller and Tony “Bam Bam” Martinez.

“The Chestnut/Stonie rivalry is earning its place among sport’s greatest rivalries, alongside Ali/Frazier, Borg/McEnroe and Mantle/Maris,” said MLE Chairman George Shea. “In the future, people will look back on May 18 in Houston as a classic match-up.”

The contest will begin at 2:00 p.m. and the champion will take home the coveted Niko Niko’s belt and half of the $5,000 total prize purse. The second through sixth place finishers will take home $1,250, $650, $300, $200 and $100, respectively.

The World Gyro Eating Championship is part of Houston’s 19th Annual Greek Fest. Fetokakis and his family have been long time supporters of the festival. The Houston Greek Fest is a four-day event that features fine homemade Greek food & deserts, Greek wine & beer, Greek folk dancing, Greek shops, vendor booths, children’s food, and a large children’s play area. Part of the Festival’s proceeds are donated to local charities. For information, visit www.houstongreekfest.com and www.nikonikos.com.

WHAT: 2014 Niko Niko’s World Gyro Eating Championship

WHERE: Houston Greek Fest, 1100 Eldridge Parkway, Houston, 77077

WHEN: Sunday, May 18, 2 p.m.