KEY WEST, Fla. () – Move over Coney Island, there’s a new champ being crowned this July 4th and it’s got nothing to do with hot dogs. In fact, this victory was way sweeter, a little bit tart and a whole lotta FUN! 

In Key West, Florida, the lure of the lime – as in key lime – was on full display. Hundreds of spectators packed the southernmost city in the continental United States to see who would claim the coveted Key Lime Pie Eating Champ title. And as you can imagine, the contestants delivered a show-stopping performance, throwing any and all caution to the wind! 

With hands behind backs and some wearing safety goggles, 25 hopefuls competed for the top prize by devouring the island city’s signature dessert — the key lime pie.  

Liz Love, the festival’s co-director said, “There’s no place I’d rather be on the 4th of July than in Key West eating a nine-inch key lime pie. It beats a New York hotdog every single time.”

Now in its 13th year, this tart and tasty tradition has been the centerpiece of Key West’s annual Key Lime Festival, which runs five days and features everything from sip and strolls to the famous key lime pie drop from the top of the Key West Lighthouse. 

The Key Lime Pie Eating Contest attracts contestants from far and wide, including Chicago, Kentucky, Texas and Lake of the Ozarks. But it was a Florida man, with a unique technique, who emerged as the top dog! 

Tom Luciano, pie eating contest winner, “My strategy today was listening to my wife who told me to use my chin. open my mouth and just swallow . . . and less chewing.”

That advice paid off. He won the contest in just two minutes 46 seconds. But he’s not the fastest. That title is still being held by Trey Bergman. In 2018, the attorney from Houston, Texas, devoured his dessert in 40 seconds.  

So, what’s is the winner going to eat next? 

Luciano said, “I am going to have dessert tonight. I feel like I haven’t had enough key lime pie yet.”