John Ascuaga's Nugget World Rib Eating Championship

JOEY "JAWS" CHESTNUT WINS HIS SIXTH NUGGET RIBS TITLE!

After a dominant display of power eating, Joey Chestnut extended his reign at John Ascuaga's Nugget World Rib Eating Championship for another 12 months. He has now claimed six of the seven titles at the annual Sparks, NV event; Patrick Bertoletti, who won the event in 2009, is the only other eater to leave this northern Nevada town with his (or her) self-worth in tact.

Chestnut ploughed through eight pounds pf ribs during the 12 minute contest, but was pushed throughout by Matthew "The Megatoad" Stonie, who finished just half a pound behind The Great One. MLE insiders remarked after the contest that The Megatoad's clean-but-fast eating style lends itself to bone-in debris contests. Patrick Bertoletti again fell in third behind Chestut and Stonie, a repeat of the podium positions from the Day-Lee Foods Gyoza event earlier in the month.

Ms Michelle "Cardboard Shell" Lesco claimed fourth, a fact that surprised her far more than the crowd who witnessed her skill display. Juan "More Bite" Rodriguez continues to impress—his ability to again finish in the money despite being so attractive is a credit to his talent and disposition.

FULL RESULTS 1 Joey "Jaws" Chestnut, 8lbs 2 Matt "The Megatoad" Stonie 7.5lbs 3 Patrick "Deep Dish" Bertoletti 5.8lbs 4 Ms Michelle "Cardboard Shell" Lesco 4.6lbs 5 Juan "More Bite" Rodriguez 4.5lbs 6 Steve Hendry 4lbs 7 Erik "The Red" Denmark 3.7lbs 8 Allen Triplett 3.1lbs 9 Jason Erb 2.6lbs 10 David Solomon 2.5lbs 10 Matt Raible 2.5lbs 12 Drake Nelson 2lbs 13 Michael Norton 1.8lbs

The 24th Annual Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook-off featured 24 of the nation’s top rib-cookers, each vying for the highly coveted first place trophy, cash prizes and the People Choice Award. This year, John Ascuaga’s Nugget anticipated at least 500,000 hungry BBQ-lovers will consume the more than 100 tons of ribs over the extended Labor Day weekend.

CLICK HERE for more information on the 24th Annual Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook-off 2012

CLICK HERE for more information on John Ascuaga's Nugget

Become a fan of the Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook-off Facebook Page

Follow on twitter @Nuggetribs.

Become a fan of the MLE Facebook Page

For instant results to all Major League Eating Contests, follow @eatingcontest.

*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.