MESZ (Association of Hungarian Eating Contestants) is an eating competition league specializing in organizing eating contests, promoting restaurants, and providing an entertaining experience for eating events, officially formed in Hungary in 2023.
Ferenc Tóth founded the organization, for which he had the idea nearly 15 years before it finally came into fruition last year. He is also the director of operations for MESZ.
Along with friend and president of the organization, Tímea Blazovich, the pair is on a mission to elevate competitive and professional eating to a high level in Hungary and Europe.
They are also working towards creating a professional eating league and taking it abroad, including to the world-famous Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest in New York, USA.
Recently, MESZ held their first qualifying round of eight at Ha Mo Ázsiai Bisztró in Budapest, Hungary, on May 11th. Competitors had just 40 minutes to take down 3.7 kg (over eight pounds) of Pad Thai. The winner was determined by whoever finished the fastest within the time limit. If no one finished, the winner would be determined by whoever ate the most before the time expired.
The twelve competitors got down to business and began taking down massive amounts of Pad Thai as quickly as possible. Everyone seemed to be having a great time, and the event even drew a crowd of spectators who looked on as the competition was underway.
Below are some of the pictures from the exciting event.
Here are the official results posted by MESZ for the May 11th competition:
1. Várady, Bence - 19p 45mp - Full finish
2. Nagy, Viktor - 1,573 grams
3. Kardos, Károly 1,577 grams
4. Tóth, Ferenc - 1,626 grams
5. Bukta, Zoltán - 2,166 grams
6. Veres, Gábor - 2,304 grams
7. Sándor, László - 2,482 grams
8. Hudák, Ádám - 2,483 grams
MESZ is currently organizing a seven-round qualifier showdown, including a consolation competition. Contestants in the final competition will be competing in the form of a street food festival. Whoever wins this competition will be crowned and given the coveted title of the Champion of the League. For the grand finale, James Webb (JWebby Can Eat) will visit Hungary and attend the event to see the champion crowned.
There are still more qualifiers being organized every Saturday in May and June, with the consolation competition planned for July. Follow MESZ on social media and check out their website for the latest updates on upcoming competitions and news about the league.
Good luck, competitors!
Photo credits: MESZ.
Join our growing Facebook group of over 1,400+ members here.