Annual Suicide Wings Competition

Dewey's 16th Annual Suicide Chicken Wing Contest;

proves to be the most competitive field ever

Dewey Beach's 16th Annual Suicide Chicken Wing Contest, also known as "Suicide Sunday" featured the most competitive field it its 16 year history when 30 eaters converged on the Starboard Cafe in Dewy Beach Delaware. This contest is a joint venture between the Starboard Cafe, Rolling Rock Beer and Wings to Go. Although the record of 123 was not broken, there were four eaters with totals at 100 or above. (See below for past years winners and totals.) The Winner pictured right, “Big Dan” (Hey Dan contact CompetitiveEaters.com and give us your name and eating resume!) devoured 116, followed by Arnie “Chowhound” Chapman with 108. Last years winner (and 1999’s winner) with a 100 wings, Ken Federighi, came out strong but struggled in the end and finished with 96. The 2002 and 2000, champ, Danko Mykolenko, also entered the contest but was unable to match he previous high of 106 in 2002.

It seemed that many of the Eaters succumbed to the intense heat generated in the pit-like structure where eaters competed. This was not a venue for polite Eaters. The eating tables were completely surrounded by a boisterous, 20-something beer drinking crowd. If you don't like cursing, or bodies pushing against you and a couple of friendly insults this was not the place to be. This was a 30 minute contest that does not permit the use of water and/or beverage during the contest. Also, Suicide wing sauce is poured (or better yet dumped) onto the wings by the bar staff. Eaters reported that the sauce was a few degrees under “hell fire” which caused those crazy enough to compete a great deal of sweating and stress. The temptation to drink was further reinforced because there were many buckets of Rolling Rock Beer in Ice placed on the table to tease (torture) the Eater.

The “Elvis of Dewey Beach”, and MC, Frank Raines left no doubt that this would be a hellacious affair and that no wimps need enter. There was no shortage of characters among the entrants doing battle in the “pit.” One eater sported a Japanese warrior outfit while another contestant looked like he got into the sauce (both types)! And had the red stuff on his face and T-shirt. One fan commented that he looked like he just assassinated a chicken at close range. There was plenty of trash talking, testosterone and fans cheering competitors. There was one particular competitor who can be best described as "Meat Head" who continued to comment through out the contest to 2nd place finisher, “Chowhound Chapman” that he looked disgusting while eating his Wings. The Chowhound provided the following reply : “Hey dude, Its not a Beauty Contest”.

The winner “Big Dan” received $500, a pair of concert tickets and a Rolloing Rock Branded Fender Electric Guitar. 2nd place, won by Chowhound Chapman received $200 and third place received $50.

Previous Winners of Suicide Sunday

2004 “Big Dan: 116
2003 Ken Federighi 100
2002 Danko Mykolenko 106
2001 Pat Mufarrij 85
2000 Danko Mykolenko 106
1999 Ken Federighi 106
1991 – 1998 *Won by Robert Pasqualini who is also the record holder with 123 Chicken Wings