Purists might quibble about Subway counting as "Philly."
Among those taking Chestnut on will be the runnerup from Royersford, Bob "Notorious B.O.B." Shoudt, who ate 8 feet last year; Eric "Steakbellie" Livingston and Micah "Wing Kong" Collins, both of Drexel Hill; Sean "Flash" Gordon of Downingtown; and Brian "Dud Light" Dudzinski of Phoenixville.
Maybe a looming apocalypse will help, quipped Shoudt, the world's third-ranked professional eater.
No need to worry about all the calories, he said.
He hopes his share of the $3,000 purse is paid in cash, in case there's no time left for checks to clear.
Totals could improve thanks to last year's experience. Eaters generally have two styles, Shoudt explained. Chestnut, for example, usually keeps his mouth stuffed and corkscrews in more food, while others, like Shoudt, prefer to swallow and clear the mouth before eating more.
Dunking food in water, to reduce the roll to mush, is forbidden at this event, said the IT supervisor, who's a married father of three.
Shoudt has another reason to be inspired:
"For me, it's going to be my big event of the year, just because my family can be there."
Afterward, he'll do some rides with his kids.
Nausea's not his major medical worry.
"I think it's going to be a great day at the park, unless you're behind me on the coaster," he said. "There could be some issues for those people."
Contact staff writer Peter Mucha at 215-854-4342 or pmucha@phillynews.com.
