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.