With a mouth on fire but a big grin on his face, Chris Poole was crowned the winner of the inaugural Hot Chilli Wing Challenge at the Childers Festival on Saturday.
The first-time festival goer was one of many contestants in the Childers Fine Foods fiery competition, with each braving a plate of ten chicken wings smothered in the local business's Carolina reaper chilli sauce and powder.
The goal? Eat the wings in under 10 minutes.
Chris smashed his serving in about six minutes and said his winning strategy of “just eat, don't think” was what got him through the heat.
“Eat the wings as quickly as possible, don't think about the heat and try to finish first,” he laughed.
Chris said he wasn't usually one to brave a Carolina reaper chilli but opted to try out in the competition as a bit of fun.
“I like the taste of my food normally,” he said.
“I try to stay away from the reaper!”
The first-time event was a success according to organisers Mark and Nat Albert, who said each contestant gave it their all.
“The Chilli Wing Eating Competition ran exceptionally well, the reception we got from the public was awesome,” Nat said.
“The participants all had a lot of fun.Â
“They were chilli challenged and not at all disappointed in their own attempts.”
The duo, who own Childers Fine Foods and grow Carolina reapers on their farm, said the competition attracted a huge crowd.
“The excitement from the crowd and indeed the crowd capacity that the competition drew blew us away,” Nat said.
“People were genuinely excited to watch the ultimate chilli challenge.Â
“Our stall was inundated with people from the crowd wanting to buy the sauce used in the competition and we sold out.
“All in all it was the best festival we have ever attended.”
