A Blackpool man has achieved a feat of legendary proportions, claiming the title of World Pie Eating Champion. Tom O’Neil devoured an entire pie in a breathtaking 62 seconds, securing his place in competitive eating history.
While not his personal best, the speed was enough to triumph over a field of seasoned professionals. The victory marks a new chapter in the surprisingly competitive world of pie eating, a tradition with a rich and often rapid-fire past.
The championship boasts a history stretching back to 1992, when Dave Smyth of Hindley conquered four pies in three minutes. Early contests were endurance battles, testing sheer capacity over extended periods.
The focus dramatically shifted in the late 2000s, evolving into a sprint for speed. Adrian Frost of Wigan shattered expectations in 2007, demolishing a pie in just 35.86 seconds – a time that seemed untouchable.
Neil Collier then redefined the limits in 2010, clocking an astonishing 23.91 seconds. Martin Clare dominated for years, claiming victories in 2012, 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018, consistently pushing the boundaries of human consumption.
The record continued to fall, with Michael Chant setting a blistering pace of 17 seconds in 2024. This relentless pursuit of speed has transformed the championship into a spectacle of astonishing athleticism and dedicated pie consumption.
Tom O’Neil’s win, though not a record-breaker, represents the culmination of years of dedication and a testament to the enduring appeal of this unique and surprisingly intense competition. He now stands among the legends of the pie-eating world.
The history of champions reveals a fascinating trend: a local Lancashire and Greater Manchester dominance. From Wigan to Bury, the region seems to breed a particular talent for rapid pie disposal, cementing its status as the heartland of competitive pie eating.
