Man Wins Lobster Roll Eating Competition While Trying Lobster Rolls for 1st Time

James Burgess, 42, of Thompson, Conn., knocked off Hampton Beach Seafood Festival Lobster Roll Eating Competition defending champion Sao Young on Saturday by eating 14 lobster rolls in 10 minutes — the only 14 lobster rolls he's eaten in his life.

“[What was in the rolls] was a little more than I expected, but I made out all right, I think,” Burgess said with a smile. “It was rough toward the end, but I did it. I made it through.”

Young, of Lowell, Mass., finished in second place with 13 rolls. He and Burgess were neck-and-neck through much of Saturday’s competition, which sponsor Tom McGuirk of McGuirk’s Ocean View said had one of the largest and most enthusiastic Seashell Stage crowds he’s ever seen.

Burgess, now a lobster roll fan, also ate 14 hot dogs en route to his victory in the competition qualifier at McGuirk’s earlier this summer.

He’s competed pizza- and pie-eating competitions at in Connecticut fairs, although Burgess said Saturday was “beyond anything” he’s “ever done,” especially since his victory netted him $600 in prize money and a large, wrestling-style championship belt.

Video and additional information to come.