Man vs Pizza at Benny Diforza’s Pizza in Alexandria, VA
Benny Diforza Pizza bests Antonio Gilbert Challenge on August 28
Alexandria, VA Benny Diforza’s Pizza is the local outlet of Virginia Tech’s official pizza. If you’ve not had a pizza or a slice, you’re in for a treat. Benny’s only sells one pizza, the 28” round pizza. You have to see it to believe it. Each pizza is equivalent to four regular large pizzas. It’s available by the slice too.
Benny’s has a standing challenge for anyone (over the age of 18) willing to go against their pizza. However, if your guardian approves, teens are allowed to compete. The rules are simple:
Benny’s Challenge Rules
- Previous Challenge winners are prohibited from re-entering the Challenge.
- The clock starts the first time the pizza is touched.
- Any beverage is allowed (soda, water, beer)
- Bathroom breaks are not permitted.
Contestants will be disqualified for any of the following:
- Starting prior to start signal
- Vomiting on premises before, during, or after the challenge
- Sharing pizza/crust
- Cheating
And if you beat the pizza, the rewards are innumerable!
- $280 check ($100 for professionals)
- Benny’s Challenge T-Shirt
- Picture posted to website and in the store with time completed
- And the best prize: Bragging rights
Of course, there are a few legal requirements but you can check their website for the details.
Antonio Gilbert, a local competitive eater, came to Benny’s, ready to take on the challenge. Gilbert’s other wins include drinking a five pound butter pecan milkshake to best competitors. When asked about why he does competitive eating, he said, “I love doing competitive eating and I plan to crush the challenge.”
He trained for weeks, and when the big day came, he was surrounded by family, friends, coworkers, and onlookers hoping to cheer him on as he met his foe.
Several of Benny’s owners were there to cheer him on. According to Maryanne “We’re so happy he is here, supported by his family and friends. We’re really rooting for him.” Gilbert responded “I’m excited and I’m ready!”
He entered the pizza arena to the cheers of the onlookers and his musical playlist blasting.
He downed the first piece in about three minutes. Then piece number two went down just as quickly.
He continued the pace by starting on the third piece with 20 minutes left.
Tensions rose as he started the fourth piece with 16 minutes left.
He started pieces five and six folded into a sandwich with only 11 minutes remaining. But it was those two pieces that did him.
Two pieces were left on the pizza pan.
Gilbert gave it a valiant effort but the results were evident, Pizza 1, Gilbert 0. The crowd gave him a rousing round of applause. He was asked if he would come back in 30 days to try again. Gilbert said, “The people have spoken, I’ll be back in 30 days to beat the pizza challenge.”
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