Events

Ears to Victory: Behind the Buttered Battles

Published

11 months ago

May 1, 2025

Coach

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.

Sweet Corn Fiesta. ©South Florida Insider
Sweet Corn Fiesta. ©South Florida Insider
Sweet Corn Fiesta. ©South Florida Insider
Sweet Corn Fiesta. ©South Florida Insider
Sweet Corn Fiesta. ©South Florida Insider
Sweet Corn Fiesta. ©South Florida Insider
Sweet Corn Fiesta. ©South Florida Insider
Sweet Corn Fiesta. ©South Florida Insider
Sweet Corn Fiesta. ©South Florida Insider
Sweet Corn Fiesta. ©South Florida Insider
Sweet Corn Fiesta. ©South Florida Insider
Sweet Corn Fiesta. ©South Florida Insider
Sweet Corn Fiesta. ©South Florida Insider
Sweet Corn Fiesta. ©South Florida Insider
Sweet Corn Fiesta. ©South Florida Insider
Sweet Corn Fiesta. ©South Florida Insider
Sweet Corn Fiesta. ©South Florida Insider
Sweet Corn Fiesta. ©South Florida Insider
Sweet Corn Fiesta. ©South Florida Insider
Sweet Corn Fiesta. ©South Florida Insider
Sweet Corn Fiesta. ©South Florida Insider
Sweet Corn Fiesta. ©South Florida Insider
Sweet Corn Fiesta. ©South Florida Insider
Sweet Corn Fiesta. ©South Florida Insider
Sweet Corn Fiesta. ©South Florida Insider
Sweet Corn Fiesta. ©South Florida Insider
Sweet Corn Fiesta. ©South Florida Insider
Sweet Corn Fiesta. ©South Florida Insider
Sweet Corn Fiesta. ©South Florida Insider
Sweet Corn Fiesta. ©South Florida Insider
Sweet Corn Fiesta. ©South Florida Insider

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Coach

Coach is South Florida Insider's Owner, President, Webmaster, as well as a Reporter and Photographer covering events all over the world. Born in West Palm Beach, Coach continues to call the sunny Florida area home. He received his Associate degree from the University of South Florida, then transferred to the University of Florida where he received a Bachelor’s of Arts in Journalism & Communications. During his journalistic career, which has been featured in local newspapers and magazines as well as national publications, Coach has also continued his love of being an educator. It’s through both endeavors that he’s actively got students interested in following in the field of journalism. Coach loves sharing the world of entertainment with others and giving people the opportunity to step out of the everyday life.

Events

Palace Bar Is Turning Up the Volume for Women’s Month and Miami Music Week

Published

1 week ago

March 5, 2026

McKaela Lulic

Ocean Drive landmark Palace Bar celebrates Women’s Month, Miami Music Week, and its 38th year with international DJs, rooftop parties, and a full month of nightlife programming.

March 4, 2026

If there’s one place on Ocean Drive that consistently knows how to throw a party, it’s Palace Bar Miami Beach.

The iconic LGBTQ+ venue at 1052 Ocean Drive is stepping into March with a packed calendar of nightlife events, international DJs, rooftop takeovers, and new programming celebrating Women’s Month and Miami Music Week 2026.

For nearly four decades, Palace has been one of the most recognizable venues in Miami Beach nightlife. Known for its legendary drag brunches, high-energy performances, and rooftop events overlooking Ocean Drive, the venue continues to evolve while staying rooted in the community that helped make it a South Beach institution.

This month, the programming stretches beyond the building itself.

A rooftop launch and beachside hospitality

March begins with Palace stepping directly onto the sand.

On Sunday, March 1, the venue hosted VIP cabanas at the Winter Party Beach Party on 10th Street Beach, bringing premium cocktail and bottle service hospitality directly to the shoreline.

Later that same day, Palace launched AURÉA: Where Day Turns Legendary, a new weekly luxury rooftop Sunday series designed around golden-hour energy and sunset views over Ocean Drive.

The opening event featured DJ Juka from Mexico alongside opening DJ JRNY, setting the tone for what Palace hopes will become a signature weekly rooftop experience.

A new seasonal cocktail collection

A few days later, on Wednesday, March 4, the venue unveiled its Spring and Summer Cocktail Collection.

The seasonal menu introduces fresh flavor profiles, vibrant presentation, and a signature drink designed to define the months ahead. The launch arrives just as Miami’s event season begins heating up ahead of Miami Music Week and the busy spring calendar across South Beach.

Sunset Sapphire launches March 21

The celebrations continue on Saturday, March 21 with the debut of Sunset Sapphire, a new monthly nightlife experience launching during Women’s Month.

Hosted by queer influencer couple Zashia Santiago and Tay Tate, the event blends music, cocktails, movement, and immersive visual moments into a vibrant night celebrating women and their communities.

Set in the heart of the Ocean Drive nightlife district, Sunset Sapphire aims to become one of Miami Beach’s newest signature nightlife gatherings.

Palace becomes a Miami Music Week hub

Later in the month, Miami Music Week arrives and Palace Bar transforms into a multi-day destination for DJs, producers, and music lovers visiting the city from around the world.

From March 26 through March 29, the venue will host four nights of programming across both its rooftop and main space.

The weekend begins Thursday, March 26 with a label-driven showcase presented in partnership with HOTL Records. The event will feature more than fifteen DJs performing across an extended lineup.

On Friday, March 27, the energy moves to the rooftop with “We’re Never Going Home,” a takeover presented alongside Groove Cruise. More than twenty-five DJs will perform across a marathon rooftop and venue experience that runs from afternoon into the early morning hours.

One of the biggest highlights arrives Saturday, March 28 when Younan Music hosts its Miami Music Week showcase at Palace. Running from 12 PM to 4 AM, the event will feature more than fifteen DJs and a lineup of internationally recognized house and electronic artists including Carlo Lio, Juanito, Saeed Younan, Sirus Hood, Vito (UK), Eddie Lopez, Adriano Longi, and Diezel.

The weekend wraps up Sunday, March 29 with a community-focused finale presented by Palace Productions. The closing event will spotlight more than ten local LGBTQ+ DJs and highlight Palace’s continued commitment to uplifting queer artists in Miami’s nightlife scene.

A busy month for a South Beach institution

Alongside the music programming, Palace continues celebrating its 38th year as one of Miami Beach’s most iconic nightlife venues.

Whether guests arrive for rooftop DJs, seasonal cocktails, or simply to soak in the energy of Ocean Drive, the venue remains one of the city’s most recognizable destinations for nightlife and entertainment.

South Florida Insider will also be covering select Palace Bar events throughout the month, including the Sunset Sapphire launch on March 21 and the Younan Music Miami Music Week showcase on March 28.

Additional coverage and highlights from both nights will follow after the events.

March event highlights

Winter Party Beach Party VIP cabanas — March 1
AURÉA rooftop series launch — March 1
Spring and Summer Cocktail Collection debut — March 4
Sunset Sapphire launch — March 21
HOTL Records showcase — March 26
We’re Never Going Home rooftop takeover — March 27
Younan Music Miami Music Week showcase — March 28
Palace Productions community finale — March 29