'Eater X' after 12 pounds of burritos: 'I love Mexican'

SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine (AP) -- A day trader and aspiring pizza chef known as "Eater X" munched through 10¾ burritos in a dozen minutes Saturday to win what was billed as the world burrito-eating championship.

Tim Janus, 30, of New York City, said he prepared by just eating candy for a day, which he said helped clear his system.

"I love Mexican food," he said after his victory.

About 100 spectators watched the contest outside the Costa Vida restaurant, where about a dozen entrants competed for $3,000 in prize money.

The 18-ounce burritos were made of rice, black beans, pork, cheese and a mild sauce wrapped in a tortilla.

The burrito record holder, Eric "Badlands" Booker, has retired from competitive eating and wasn't on hand to defend his title. But other contestants well-known on the eating contest circuit showed up.

Among them was Sonya "The Black Widow" Thomas of Alexandria, Virginia, who holds a world lobster-eating title that she won in Kennebunkport and who finished second Saturday by downing 10 "Big Kahunas."

Other eaters included Jason "Crazy Legs" Conti and Tim "Gravy" Brown. E-mail to a friend

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