How to Win a Pie Eating Contest

We'll never be the same again

Aug 17, 2023

Cake friends,

We thought it would be funny.

It was May, and after weeks of planning our summer issue launch party, throwing a pie eating contest sounded like a great idea. After all, the issue is called Humble Pie, and what could be more humbling than someone eating an entire cherry pie with their hands tied behind their backs? The answer: Watching five people go at it, soundtracked by the maniacal synth of Sandstorm by Darude and a gleeful emcee, with hundreds of spectators screaming encouragement and taking photos.

It was heartening and somewhat surprising to see how many people were excited—not just interested, but actually excited—by the idea of competing. Shout out to our friend Yong Shin, chef at Insa and karaoke extraordinaire, who encouraged the idea and became Competitor Number One. He was joined by baker Bryan Ford, food writer Jess Eng, Ipsa chef Micah Fredman, and the mysterious Paris Leach. We will never be able to unsee their brave attempts, or Micah’s victory.

As these images by Hanna Hazel attest, the Humble Pie Eating Contest can only truly be experienced IRL. But after watching Micah’s formidable win, we needed to know more. Read on for his ingenious strategy and current thoughts about cherry pie. –Aliza

Have you ever competed in a pie eating contest before?

This was my very first pie eating contest.

What was your strategy going into the Humble Pie pie contest?

When I was in 1st grade, my PE teacher put me, the fastest boy in the class, in a race against the fastest girl in the class. She beat me. After the race, the teacher pointed out that I’d wasted time looking over at her throughout the race instead of laser focusing on the finish line. So I kept my eyes on the pie.

I also thought I could do some good intimidation by getting a strong start, so I dove in rather aggressively and took several giant bites before realizing swallowing was necessary too. My proudest strategic moment of inspiration was overcoming the challenge of getting to the bottom crust. I clenched the foil rim between my teeth, lifted the pie, and slammed it into the table to break up the bottom crust. Then victory was in sight.

What was going through your head in the moment? What was the hardest part?

I was pretty focused on just consuming the pie as fast as possible. The crowd was amazing. Honestly it’s all a bit of a blur of cherry goo and crust. The bottom crust moment was definitely a major hurdle to overcome, but the slamming technique solution came to me pretty spontaneously.

What compelled you to do this in the first place?

The chance for eternal glory and a copy of limited edition Cake Zine. [Ed note: A rare print copy of Sexy Cake!]

Will you ever eat a cherry pie again?

Of course. I love a cherry pie, sour cherry in particular. It’s my father’s favorite too. I made him a polenta and pistachio flecked sour cherry galette for his 70th birthday this year.

Craving more content or want to support Cake Zine? You can buy Humble Pie right here.