The Ani Ramen House held its third annual ramen-eating competition in honor of National Noodle Day.
JERSEY CITY — It took nine bowls of ramen to dethrone a champion.
Wayne Algenio, of New York, chomped his way to victory at Ani Ramen, 888 Newark Ave., during the restaurant’s third annual ramen eating contest yesterday, National Noodle Day.
His new record at the restaurant outdid that of former champion Sebastian Voltarelli, who came in second with seven bowls.
Algenio got his hands on the Ani Ramen Golden Chopsticks — for free ramen from Ani Ramen House for a year – and will receive a celebratory all-inclusive chef’s tasting for 10 people. As second-place winner, Voltarelli was awarded a $300 gift card to the ramen house.
“I feel all right,” Algenio said after his win. “A little stuffed.”
The competition had 10 contestants who were separated into two rounds. The winner was determined by the most bowls of ramen consumed within 10 minutes or the first person to eat 10 bowls.
During the first round, spectators aggressively cheered and clapped as the competitors munched on the first batch of ramen and broth.
First-time competitor Charles Creamer downed six bowls and claimed the third-place spot, winning a $150 gift card to Ani Ramen.
In the second round – which Voltarelli and Algenio were part of – spectators continuously shouted, “Let’s go, Wayne!” and “Let’s go, Champ!” as the two ate neck-and-neck down to the last second.
The contest was sponsored by Sun Noodle. Proceeds from the competition will benefit No Kid Hungry.
