The 2025 Ultimate Bologna Showdown; Presented by Dead End BBQ and Elm Hill Bologna

Location: Knoxville, TN
Date: 05-10-2025

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Get Ready for the 2025 Ultimate Bologna Showdown – A Meat-Lover’s Dream!

Knoxville, brace yourself—things are about to get seriously meaty! On Saturday, May 10th, 2025, the Ultimate Bologna Showdown is set to take over the RecSports Field Complex, where the nation’s top eaters will battle for glory, the , and a slice of that $10,000 prize purse. Presented by Dead End BBQ and Elm Hill Bologna, this competition isn’t just about speed—it’s about legendary consumption of the finest bologna slices ever served.

Bologna Bliss: The Ultimate Eating Challenge

Imagine plate after plate stacked high with thick, juicy, smoky-savored bologna slices, the kind that make your mouth water at first glance. For 8 delicious minutes, Major League Eating’s best will power through as many pounds of bologna as possible, pushing their limits in a bid to break records and secure their place in bologna history.

Records Are Meant to Be Broken

Last year, Joey Chestnut set the bar sky-high with a jaw-dropping 14 pounds of bologna consumed in just 8 minutes—a feat that left even the most seasoned eaters in awe. Will his biggest rivals like James Webb, Geoffrey Esper, and Patrick Bertoletti return for another shot at the title? Will Chestnut defend his record, or will a new legend rise? 2025’s contest promises an all-out battle for the bologna crown.

Powered by Passion: Dead End BBQ & Elm Hill Bologna

This event wouldn’t be possible without the unbeatable partnership of Dead End BBQ and Elm Hill Bologna—two names synonymous with top-tier Southern flavor. Thanks to their commitment to high-quality meats and smoky perfection, competitors and spectators alike will be in for a truly unforgettable experience.

Don’t Just Watch—Be There!

This is your chance to witness history, cheer on the champions, and experience the bologna-fueled madness firsthand. Join us at 12P on May 10th at RecSports Field Complex, Knoxville, TN—because in the world of competitive eating, every bite counts!

$10,000 TOTAL PRIZE PURSE! 1st $5,000 2nd $2,750 3rd $1,300 4th $650 5th $300

The contest will take place at 12PM EST on Saturday, May 10th, 2025 at the RecSports Field Complex, 3620 Sutherland Ave, Knoxville, TN 37919!

About Dead End BBQ

Dead End BBQ started as one big neighborhood block party, where over 40 locals came together to enjoy a community pig roast in honor of Memorial Day 2000. At first, this exclusive celebration was a coveted experience for select neighbors, who gathered to break bread and hone their barbecue skills at the end of a dead-end street. But by the next year, it evolved into an annual gathering, serving more than 500 hungry neighbors and community members. “Friends and neighbors were always raving about the food and saying we needed to enter BBQ competitions. So, around 2004, we started on the national competition circuit and a few years later, we became the State Champions of Tennessee. Then, in 2008, we were selected to represent the state at the Jack Daniels World Championship Invitational Barbecue competition. After that national recognition, we knew we had a great product and decided to go for it. We opened a custom-designed restaurant space about a year later.” - George Ewart, Co-Owner Over the years, Dead End has evolved into more than just a place to fill up on traditional comfort food with a twist. It’s become a community staple—bringing picnic-style BBQ plating and a wide collection of Knoxville memorabilia to locals and visitors from all over the nation. Beyond serving guests, Dead End continues to elevate its community by supporting youth programs, teaching the art of BBQ through cooking classes, and giving back to local organizations and causes (which you can learn about on the restaurant’s gallery walls). Today, Dead End’s goal is the same as it was on day one: To bring people together over great food.

About Elm Hill Bologna

Resonating with Nashville culture, like the neon glow of Lower Broadway and the sinuous sounds of steel guitars, is our Elm Hill brand of meats. Born in the Music City and beloved by meat eaters everywhere, Elm Hill has been serving delicious hot dogs, bologna, hams, and specialty meats for over 55 years. With iconic items like the Jumbo Pork and Beef Franks and the seasonal favorite, Beef Spiced Round, we look to constantly push the boundary of culinary cuisine. So whether you’re hosting a Memorial Day cookout or slicing a holiday ham at Christmas, let Elm Hill take center stage and give your mouth the encore it deserves.

CLICK HERE for more information about Dead End BBQ and follow them on Facebook, X/Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok!

CLICK HERE for more information about Dead End BBQ and follow them on Facebook, X/Twitter, Instagram!

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*All applicants must be 18 years of age or older and fully acknowledge and understand the inherent dangers and risks associated with participating in an eating contest. The applicant further acknowledges and understands that the MLE/IFOCE coordinates with event sponsor(s) to select and approve eligible participants, and that the MLE/IFOCE shall decide, at its sole discretion, whether an applicant is eligible to participate in any eating event, and/or related activities. The MLE/IFOCE may revoke an applicant's eligibility to participate in the eating contest, or related activities, at any time, for any reason, at its sole discretion. The MLE/IFOCE and the event sponsors reserve the right, at any time, to change any and all details concerning the event, including, e.g., time, duration, location and prize structure