The Long Island Ducks, in conjunction with Wendy’s and Major League Eating, have announced the first-ever Chicken Nugget Eating Championship will take place at Fairfield Properties Ballpark, the home of the Ducks on Friday, July 26.

“We are honored to host this inaugural event at our ballpark,” said Ducks General Manager Sean Smith. “It’s a thrill to host some of the biggest names in competitive eating, and we’re all looking forward to watching them chow down.”

Top-ranked competitive eaters are slated to compete in the event, which will take place at 5:35 p.m. on July 26 prior to the Ducks game against the Lancaster Stormers. Ballpark gates will open early for all fans that day at 5:15. Eaters will have eight minutes to eat as many Wendy’s Chicken Nuggets as possible. In addition to a new World Record and the champion title, a prize purse of $10,000 is at stake.

Competitors include #2-ranked Patrick Bertoletti of Chicago, IL; #3-ranked Geoffrey Esper from Oxford, MA; #4-ranked James Webb from Little El, TX; #5-ranked Miki Sudo of Tampa, FL; #6-ranked Nick Wehry of Tampa, FL, and more. Bertoletti and Sudo claimed Mustard Belt victories at this summer’s Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest on July 4th, consuming 58 and 51 hot dogs and buns, respectively, in 10 minutes.

Competitors seek to eclipse Sonya “The Black Widow” Thomas' Chicken Nugget Eating World Record of 80 nuggets in five minutes. While her feat has remained undefeated for over a decade, Major League Eaters have set more than half a dozen World Records in 2024.

“Wendy’s serves the best chicken nuggets in the game made with all white meat, the ideal addition to Major League Eating’s 2024 slate of sanctioned competitions,” said MLE emcee George Shea. “Some of our boldest and fiercest competitors will be in attendance in hopes of topping the current World Record.”

The Ducks are entering their 24th season of play in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball and play their home games at Fairfield Properties Ballpark in Central Islip, N.Y. They are the all-time leader in wins and attendance in Atlantic League history, led all MLB Partner Leagues in attendance in 2023, and have sold out a record 710 games all-time. For further information, visit LIDucks.com or call 631-940-DUCK (3825).

About Wendy’s

Wendy's was founded in 1969 by Dave Thomas in Columbus, Ohio. Dave built his business on the premise, “Quality is our Recipe^®,” which remains the guidepost of the Wendy’s system. Wendy’s is best known for its made-to-order square hamburgers, using fresh, never frozen beef,* freshly-prepared salads, and other signature items like chili, baked potatoes and the Frosty dessert. The Wendy’s Company (Nasdaq: WEN) is committed to doing the right thing and making a positive difference in the lives of others. This is most visible through the Company's support of the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption^® and its signature Wendy's Wonderful Kids^® program, which seeks to find a loving, forever home for every child waiting to be adopted from the North American foster care system. Today, Wendy’s and its franchisees employ hundreds of thousands of people across over 7,000 restaurants worldwide with a vision of becoming the world’s most thriving and beloved restaurant brand. For details on franchising, connect with us at www.wendys.com/franchising. Visit www.wendys.com and www.squaredealblog.com for more information and connect with us on X and Instagram using @wendys, and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/wendys.   

About Major League Eating

Major League Eating (MLE), the World governing body of all stomach-centric sports, conducts more than 80 events annually, including the Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog-Eating Contest in Coney Island, N.Y. The competitive eating community, which numbers more than 8,000 veteran and rookie athletes, travels the World in search of top titles and the glory that they provide. For more information, visit www.majorleagueeating.com, www.facebook.com/eatfast  or Instagram  / Twitter: @eatingcontest.