Things will be heating up in Brunswick this weekend, thanks to the return of the Melbourne Chilli Eating Championship to iconic venue The Beast.
Now in its ninth year, the annual Melbourne Chilli Eating Championship has established a reputation as one of Victoria’s premier events for lovers of all things spicy to test not only their mettle, but the limits of their tastebuds.
Melbourne Chilli Eating Championship
- March 2 from noon ’til late
- The Beast, 80 Lygon Street Brunswick
- Details here
Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around Melbourne here.
24 competitors and some infamous chillis
Right at the top of the bill for this year’s festivities is the competition itself, which will see 24 competitors battle it out for the title of Melbourne’s premier chilli-eating champion, with chillies including the Trinidad Scorpion, Ghost Chillis, the Naga Viper, and the infamous Carolina Reaper.
The rounds will start out mild before quickly moving up the scale. Contestants will have to fight their way through all manner of fresh chilli, extreme sauces, The Beast’s kitchen concoctions, chilli-infused drinks, and the competition’s infamous Reaper Kebabs & chilli “turkducken”.
With competitors set to handle chillies that rank above two million units on the Scoville scale (for context, the average jalapeño ranks at around 5,000), they’ll be required to wear gloves before handling the spicy offerings, and St John’s Ambulance will be on standby.
The return of a gut-busting champion
Last year’s winner was student Gabby Del Castillo, who will be returning to defend her title after working her way through a massive 30 rounds to take home the title. Previous winners also include the likes of Steve Batancs and the internationally-renowned Greg ‘Iron Guts’ Barlow.
Barlow was a refrigeration technician prior to entering the competition as an amateur back in 2020, and since then, he’s appeared in international tournaments and even holds world records, including ‘Most amount of Carolina Reapers consumed in one sitting – 160’.
It’s not for the faint of heart, though, with the ‘last person standing’ format usually seeing a few casualties as their stomachs get the better of them.
However, the victor will not only be taking home eternal glory, but also a $600 prize, a limited edition hot sauce from the Melbourne Chilli Eating Championship, shirts, a slab of Tallboy & Moose Beer, a 12-pack of Melbourne hot sauce, and a hamper from the event’s official sponsors.
Entries open to amateurs (and celebrities), if you dare
If you want to have a go and aim for fame and glory, there are 24 places open for competitors, with entries open to all amateurs.
A special surprise celebrity round is also set to take place as well, with full details to be announced soon. It’s all for a good cause though, with the celebs planning to donate a cash prize to their own nominated charity.
This year, the theme of the Melbourne Chilli Eating Championship is ‘Spicy Australiana’, featuring special chilli-themed food and beverage offerings. Outside the venue, you can partake in the World’s Hottest Snag Sizzle, a pop-up curated by The Beast and artisan local butcher, McGregor’s, who will be offering their own unique take on the humble Aussie snag.
Give the Cry Baby a burl, or try the Smoky Spice and Sizzle options before working your way up to the Scorcher – a Wagyu beef brisket paired with a Carolina Reaper sausage.
A tantalising menu for all attendees
There’s also plenty of other spicy options on the menu, including the Death Dimmie, the Yeah-Nah Nachos, or the Spicy Bogan Burger. If it’s too much, there’s also plenty of soft serve on offer to cool the mouth. Add in cocktails and shots such as the Bloody Maria, the Margy Robbie, or the Scorcha Spritz, and you can feel the sweat dripping as you peruse the menu.
If you reckon you’ve not quite got the stomach for the heat of this year’s festivities, you don’t need to worry about being turned away at the door! Dress ups are encouraged, and after the main event, there’s even live band karaoke where punters can give it their all at their favourite spicy songs in pursuit of a prize.
It’s all kicking off at The Beast on Saturday, March 2nd at noon, with entry to the event free as always. As the organisers of the Melbourne Chilli Eating Championship say, this one isn’t for wimps, so whether you’re partaking in the festivities or just a casual observer prepare yourself for things to heat up this weekend.
Details here.
