World Champion Joey Chestnut to Defend Title at Foxwoods World Turkey Eating Championship

Joey "Jaws" Chestnut, the number-one-ranked eater in the world, will compete against a field of Major League Eaters on Saturday, November 21, 2015, at the Foxwoods World Turkey Eating Championship at Foxwoods Resort Casino.

The professional eaters will compete with 20-pound whole turkeys, and it is anticipated that Chestnut may devour nearly an entire bird in the 10-minute all-you-can-eat contest. Contestants are expected to take two different eating approaches, with some lifting the entire bird to their mouths, and others tearing off drumsticks and smaller pieces with their hands.

At last year's inaugural event, Chestnut ate 9.35 pounds of turkey meat off the bone in 10 minutes for the win, and in doing so, he set a new world record. However, this year Chestnut will face harsh competition from two champion female eaters, top-ranked Miki Sudo and fourth-ranked Michelle Lesco, both experts in the debris food category (chicken wings, ribs and shellfish).

Other top talent competing for the title include oyster-eating champion of the world, Sonya Thomas; hot dog-eating veteran, Yasir Salem; cannoli- and meatball-eating champion of the world, Badlands Booker; sweet corn-eating champion of the world, Crazy Legs Conti; and college basketball star and rookie-sensation, Gideon 'The Truth' Oji.

Foxwoods will donate one $30 Stop & Shop Gift Card for every pound of turkey eaten during the World Turkey Eating Championship. Total donation is expected to be more than $3,500, and will be made to the Gemma E. Moran United Way/Labor Food Center, located in New London, CT.

"As the biggest casino in the Northern Hemisphere, it makes perfect sense that the biggest and the best turkey-eating competition in the United States be held here at Foxwoods Resort Casino," said Felix Rappaport, President and CEO. "We're thrilled that reigning champion and world-record-holder Joey Chestnut will return to test his gustatory skills against 12 other Major League Eating legends in this unforgettable showdown."

"The Foxwoods Turkey Eating Championship will settle the argument we have all forever debated - who in our land dominates the most iconic meal of all time, Thanksgiving," said Richard Shea, president of Major League Eating. "With such major eating stars as Joey Chestnut and Miki Sudo present, this will be an epic battle and a fantastic celebration all at once."

This contest will take place at 2 p.m. in The Grand Ballroom, on the Casino Level of The Grand Pequot Tower, Foxwoods Resort Casino, 350 Trolley Line Boulevard, Mashantucket, CT. For more information, visit www.foxwoods.com.

About Foxwoods Resort Casino

As the largest resort casino in North America, Foxwoods offers a vast array of gaming in six casinos; AAA Four-Diamond hotels, restaurants from gourmet to quick-service, world-renowned spas, awarding-winning golf, state-of-the-art theaters, and exclusive retailers. Perfect for both recreation and business, Foxwoods provides modern and versatile convention and meeting space to infuse new life into any meeting or event. Foxwoods Resort Casino is owned and operated by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation. For a comprehensive look at Foxwoods Resort Casino and Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation visit Foxwoods.com.