Events
Ears to Victory: Behind the Buttered Battles

Corn, Competition and Calories: Behind the Scenes at the Sweet Corn Fiesta with Major League Eating’s Top Contenders.
April 27th, 2025
The Sweet Corn Fiesta in West Palm Beach isn’t just about sunshine and buttery kernels—it’s the battleground for one of the most underrated but grueling food challenges in the country. As spectators cheered and gawked at mountains of stripped cobs piling up on stage, three of Major League Eating’s standout stars—Gideon Oji, Miki Sudo and Nick Wehry—gave South Florida Insider a glimpse into what it really takes to be among the best in the world at eating… fast and furiously.
Gideon Oji: The Corn Conqueror
Towering, athletic, and shockingly composed post-contest, Gideon Oji took home another Sweet Corn title, adding to his already impressive string of victories at this event.
“I swear, watching you eat all that corn, my stomach got queasy,” I told him.
With a laugh, Oji responded, “Yeah, it was fun. Sweet? That’s what it tastes like. It was a sweet contest. Just glad I was able to pull it off and win tonight.”
Oji, a former college basketball player, explained that competitive eating is as much about preparation and discipline as any sport.
“I barely ate anything since yesterday. Some bananas, juices, here and there,” he said. “It requires healthy habits to stay fit and compete on the biggest stage.”
And while corn might seem simple, the approach isn’t. “You have to sharpen your technique for each food. Different foods need different strategies. You perfect them before ever stepping on this stage.”
Still, he admits, even the pros struggle with the volume. “Nothing is that good after a bunch of it. You teach yourself to like everything. That’s the only way you win.”
When asked if a celebratory steak might be on the horizon, he smiled. “Oh, definitely. I didn’t even know I was going to win today. I kind of surprised myself. So yeah, something protein-based. A burger or a steak—gotta get this corn taste out of my mouth.”
Oji’s next big target? “Right now, I’m just looking ahead to Nathan’s on the Fourth of July. But if something else catches my interest, I’ll be back on the road.”
Miki Sudo & Nick Wehry: The First Couple of Competitive Eating
They’re partners in life and rivals on the stage. Miki Sudo and Nick Wehry, one of the most prominent power couples in the sport, returned to the Sweet Corn Fiesta to battle it out with the best.
“This is actually the longest running contest we have on the Major League Eating circuit,” said Sudo, who has previously won the event twice. “Today just wasn’t my day.”
Wehry, too, knew the competition was fierce. “Gideon’s a beast with corn, and Jerry [a fellow competitor] was runner-up last year. I tried going slow and controlled, cleaning the ears better, but it didn’t go in my favor.”
While outsiders may assume competitive eating is dominated by massive, overweight figures, Sudo and Wehry break the mold.
“Looking at us, we’re all ages, shapes, backgrounds,” Sudo said. “Gideon’s tall, athletic, super competitive. But this is really a technique contest. I did 43 ears in 12 minutes. If it were 10 minutes, I might’ve pulled it off. I just lost energy toward the end.”
Do they compete with each other at home? Absolutely.
“Whether it’s getting to the car first, playing Jeopardy, or eating on stage—we’re most competitive with each other,” Wehry said, laughing.
Even their toddler was nearby, taking in the action—but don’t expect a future competitor just yet. “Competitive eating’s not one of his career options,” Sudo joked.
As for their recovery plan post-corn? “Cold and sweet, like popsicles or fresh fruit,” said Wehry. “After all that corn, we’re just trying to reset our palates. There’s not much room for a big victory meal after that.”
Looking ahead, the couple’s schedule is stacked: Cuban sandwiches in Tampa, pulled pork in Memphis, bologna in Knoxville, and a Nathan’s qualifier in Cleveland. “We’re going to be pretty busy through May and June,” said Wehry, “gearing up for the Fourth of July.”
Never Again Foods?
Despite their versatility, even elite eaters have limits. “I once did a spam eating contest—straight out of the can,” said Sudo with a shudder. “Before the contest, I didn’t like spam. After the contest, I really don’t like spam.”
Pickles and oysters are on Nick’s never-again list. But with the right incentive? “If it was a trip around the world or a great charity, I’d probably still do it.”
Whether they’re downing sweet corn, pulled pork, or spam, these athletes approach each plate with precision, preparation, and passion. The next time you think you can beat a pro eater because you devoured a pizza solo—think again. As Gideon Oji put it best: “This is the hardest thing I’ve ever done—even harder than college basketball. But it’s fun. And I love the competition.”
Beyond The Competition
The 25th annual Sweet Corn Fiesta at Yesteryear Village was a kernel of fun for all ages, blending buttery bites with down-home charm. While pro eaters went husk to husk in the main event, families enjoyed a-maize-ing activities like corn shucking, amateur eating contests, cooking competitions, and games for the little sprouts.
Set against the tunes of the Krystal River Band and Andrew Morris Band, guests soaked in the sun and local flavor—literally—thanks to Palm Beach County’s status as the top fresh sweet corn producer in the world. The event shucked expectations with a bustling green market and fresh corn boxes (48 ears each) going for $20 inside and $25 outside the gate.
Admission was easy to swallow: $10 for adults, $5 for kids 6–12, and free for the under-5 crowd, with free parking to boot. All proceeds supported ag education and Glades-area food efforts. For more corny goodness, visit www.facebook.com/SweetCornFiesta.
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Art Hearts Fashion Took the Lead at Swim Week

From bird queens to body glitter, Art Hearts Fashion lit up Eden Roc with unapologetic flair.
June 2nd, 2025
If the ballroom at Eden Roc Miami Beach could talk, it would still be catching its breath after a weekend of bold designs, wild performances, and unapologetically fabulous fashion. Art Hearts Fashion hosted two back-to-back nights of Swim Week magic that reminded everyone why Miami is that girl when it comes to turning a runway into a full-on experience.
From house music inspired graphics and metallic fringe to upcycled couture and belly dancing drama, here’s what went down and why it worked.
Friday: Neon, Nightlife, and Not-So-Innocent Swimwear
Friday’s vibe was “don’t call us subtle.” The ballroom pulsed like an underground club-meets-art gallery, and the fashion matched the mood.
- Pia Bolte kicked things off with chaos in the best way: think animal prints, bedazzled corsets, and a general sense that anything could (and maybe did) happen.
- CA RIO CA, Cirone SwimLingerie, and Coyote Jocks blurred swimwear and nightlife so thoroughly that no one was sure if they were headed to the beach or the DJ booth—and that was the point.
- Slay Swimwear and Papi Swim closed the night with all gas, no breaks. The prints were loud, the cuts were daring, and the confidence was contagious.
By the end of the night, the ballroom was less fashion show and more electric playground and, nobody wanted to leave.
- Papi Swim
- Pia Bolt
- Slay Swimwear
Saturday: Birds, Bells, and Beautiful Intentions
Saturday brought just as much energy, but with a little more soul. There was a clear shift toward statement-making fashion—with a few theatrical surprises thrown in for good measure.
- Love for Upcycling opened with a collection made entirely from repurposed materials. Between the animal-inspired silhouettes and a model literally carrying a live parrot, it was giving eco-warrior chic and the crowd was living.
- David Tupaz followed with floaty, toned down resort looks that whispered elegance..
- Caroline Derpienski turned the tempo right back up with a Snake Collection that sparkled, shimmied, and swayed. It was all hips, gold, and glitter. Basically, fashion you don’t just wear, you perform.
- Later acts from Joseph Auren, Henri Costa, BFyne, and Bad Pink brought metallics, fringe, futuristic cuts, and everything in between.
Each designer delivered something distinct, and yet the night felt beautifully cohesive. Everyone had a point of view, and nobody was playing it safe.
- Caroline Derpienski
- Love For Upcycling
- David Tupaz
Nestled right along the glittering coastline, the Eden Roc Miami Beach proved to be more than just a backdrop. It was a co-star. With its mix of vintage Miami glamour and modern luxury, the hotel set the perfect tone for a weekend that celebrated both bold innovation and timeless flair. Walking into the ballroom felt like stepping into a curated dreamscape: sleek lighting, high-gloss floors, and enough air-kissed hellos to fill a red carpet.
The space struck a rare balance, intimate enough to feel exclusive yet grand enough to hold the weight of real fashion moments. The ocean breeze just outside the lobby, the iconic palm-lined drive, and the buzz of camera crews and couture-wrapped guests moving between hotel suites and the show floor gave everything the feel of an extended editorial shoot. It wasn’t just where the shows happened. It was where the weekend happened.
During intermissions, guests floated through the venue, cocktails in hand, mingling beneath chandeliers and recapping standout looks like seasoned fashion editors. With mezcal in one corner and mojitos in another, the space felt alive with conversation and camera flashes. There was a sparkle in the air, a vibe that made it feel like you weren’t just attending Swim Week. You were part of something cinematic.
Let’s be real. Swim Week at Eden Roc was a full-on vibe. It wasn’t just a series of fashion shows. It was a living mood board, a love letter to individuality, and a dance party dressed in metallic fringe. From the moment the first heel hit the runway to the final twirl on Saturday night, the energy was electric. You didn’t just watch the shows. You felt them.
Each designer brought their own version of bold, from recycled fabrics and resort-wear minimalism to glitter-drenched snake goddesses and futuristic jockstraps. It was a reminder that swimwear can be art, identity, celebration, and rebellion all at once. The crowd reflected that too, creative, expressive, and fully dressed for the moment.
While the runway looks took center stage, the heart behind Art Hearts Fashion quietly grounded the entire experience. The platform isn’t just about putting beautiful people in beautiful clothing. It’s about using the power of fashion to drive change, lift voices, and give back. With partnerships like Make-A-Wish®, AIDS Healthcare Foundation, and Project Cancerland, Art Hearts proves that fashion can and should do more than just look good.
What makes it all feel different is the sincerity. There’s no preachy undertone, no performance for clout, just an honest integration of purpose and creativity. From inclusive casting and emerging voices to boundary-pushing collections like Love for Upcycling, the message was clear. Impact isn’t the accessory. It’s the outfit.
If this weekend had a dress code, it would be “Come exactly as you are, but make it fabulous.” And that ethos carried into every detail, the drinks, the dancing, the applause, the backstage selfies, the whispered “who’s that designer?” conversations.
Swim Week wasn’t just fun. It was freeing.
Events
Miami Swim Week’s Kick-Off

ELLE Swimwear Opened Miami Swim Week with Poolside Glam and Sunset Soundtracks.
May 28th, 2025
Leave it to ELLE Swimwear and Miami Swim Week® The Shows to throw the kind of party that sets the tone for the entire season: chic, sun-soaked and just the right amount of extra. On Tuesday night, the who’s who of fashionistas, influencers and perfectly tanned creatives gathered to celebrate the official kickoff of Miami Swim Week 2025, and let’s just say, the bar has been set high.
Tucked away on the ultra-exclusive Venetian Islands, the private waterfront villa felt more like a fashion fantasy than a party venue. Imagine stepping into a space where every palm is lit just right, the pool reflects the skyline like a high-gloss editorial, and the whole place hums with that “something fabulous is about to happen” feeling. It wasn’t just a backdrop, it was the mood.
And speaking of moods, let’s talk sushi. Sushi by Yasu was the evening’s culinary crown jewel. Each roll was a tiny masterpiece: fresh and delicate. Light enough to keep guests grazing, but satisfying enough to feel like a moment, the bites kept flowing all night, paired perfectly with champagne and curated cocktails.
The soundtrack of the night? DJ Brooke Brazelton spun a set that floated perfectly between rooftop lounge and full-body groove. Think vibey house, remixed classics, and the kind of bassline that makes strangers become dance partners. It wasn’t just background music—it moved the night along like a perfectly timed runway show. The crowd swayed, sipped and sparkled, and by midnight, the villa felt like the heartbeat of Swim Week itself.
As for the crowd, it was Miami at its best. A stunning blend of models, stylists, editors and locals who looked like they walked straight off a set. There were breezy linens, sheer mesh, bold swimwear, and sunglasses that stayed on long after the sun went down. The fashion was fearless, the conversation flowed, and every corner of the villa buzzed with excitement and ambition.
Somewhere between the third glass of prosecco and the fifth compliment on someone’s outfit, it became clear, Miami Swim Week 2025 wasn’t just starting. It had arrived. And if this kick-off party was just the beginning, we’re all in for a summer of serious style.
Bookmark it now: this is the summer where swimwear slays, the music flows, and the vibes are always turned way up. See you at the next villa.
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