Gurgitators' wolf down Krystal burgers

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Gurgitators' wolf down Krystal burgers

Photos of the Krystal Square Off V World Hamburger Eating Championship at Lenox Square in Atlanta.

The Georgia qualifying round of the Krystal Square Off V World Hamburger Eating Championship was held Saturday at Lenox Square and some serious eaters turned out for the competition. Here, Jason Birch of White packs 'em away. Birch's name was drawn from a pool of last-minute entrants.

At the start, the "gurgitators" gather for a meeting.

Hamburgers are brought out for the competition. The 1,000 burgers prepared for speedy consumption were without cheese and pickles -- choking hazards -- and went light on the onions and mustard.

The competitors chow down. From left are "Beautiful" Brian Seiken, Eric "Steakbellie" Livingston, Micah "Wing Kong" Collins, Pat "Deep Dish" Bertoletti and Tim "Gravy" Brown.

We have a winner! Pat Bertoletti, a 23-year-old pro eater from Chicago, won the contest, eating 66 burgers in 8 minutes. Most serious competitors soak their food in liquid before wolfing it down; Bertolleti's preference was colored red. Bertoletti finished 21 Krystals ahead of his closest competitor, Tim Brown, who ate 45 burgers.

The remnants of Saturday's culinary destruction. At last year's championship in Chattanooga -- the hometown of Krystal -- eater Joey Chestnut won with 103 burgers in 8 minutes. This Sept. 28, the prize package will be worth $50,000, with even last place taking home $500, said tour manager Keith Spillane.

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The Georgia qualifying round of the Krystal Square Off V World Hamburger Eating Championship was held Saturday at Lenox Square and some serious eaters turned out for the competition. Here, Jason Birch of White packs 'em away. Birch's name was drawn from a pool of last-minute entrants.

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