A care home worker from Blackpool has been crowned the world champion of pie eating after consuming a meat and potato pastry in just over a minute at a historic contest in Greater Manchester.
From Care Home to Champion in 62 Seconds
Tom O'Neil, aged 24, secured victory at the annual World Pie Eating Championships held at Harry's Bar in Wigan. Remarkably, it was his first-ever entry into the prestigious competition. The young champion managed to devour the regulation pie in a winning time of just over 60 seconds, claiming the trophy with what he described as "pure skill" and no specific preparation.
"I'm over the moon," O'Neil said after his triumph. "I just turned up on the day and got it over the line." Describing the challenge, he added: "The pie was quite thick – but it went down in the end, and that's all that matters."
Heightened Security Amid Funnel Cheating Scare
This year's event, which has been running for more than three decades, was nearly overshadowed by a scandal. Organisers were forced to draft in extra security staff after a tip-off about suspected foul play. Bar owner Tony Callaghan was warned that one competitor planned to cheat by smuggling a B&Q funnel inside a coat. The alleged plan was to use the funnel to divert pie spillage into the front of his trousers, thereby consuming less of the actual pastry.
Thankfully, no such cheating was involved in O'Neil's victory. His win was attributed to a natural talent for speed-eating, a skill his parents have long observed. "I've taken part in pie eating competitions before, so I wanted to give this a try," O'Neil explained. "Whenever there's anything to do with speed eating, I'll put my name forward."
A History of Fast Eating and Past Champions
O'Neil's competitive eating prowess is not new. About two years ago, he ate a pie in under 20 seconds for a local contest. His mother, Michelle O'Neil, told local media she was "really proud" and unsurprised, noting his habit of "inhaling" food at home. "I'm glad he's put it to good use," she said.
The contest itself operates under strict rules. This year's pies, cooked by Galloway Bakers in Wigan, had to meet precise specifications: a diameter of 12cm, a depth of 3.5cm, and a pie wall angle between zero and 15 degrees.
The championship has a rich history of winners, including:
- 2024: Michael Chant, who set a record by eating a pie in 17 seconds.
- 2010-2018: A period dominated by champions like Martin Clare, who won multiple times.
- 1992: The inaugural winner Dave Smyth, who ate four pies in three minutes.
Tom O'Neil's name is now etched alongside these legends, proving that sometimes, showing up on the day with a healthy appetite is all the strategy you need.
