Man in a hat and blue blazer speaking into a microphone to an audience near large pizzas outdoors.

Benny's Challenge

Current Times to Beat

For Amateur Eaters: 28 minutes

For Professional Eaters: 28 minutes

The Benny’s Challenge is open when staffing permits and we’re able to judge. Talk with our staff to schedule your attempt. Contestant and staff must sign a waiver indicating whether the participant is Professional or Amateur.

Various people eating and posing with large pizzas at a challenge event in a casual setting.

About the Challenge Pizza

The contestant must purchase one Benny’s Challenge Pizza for $40.

Benny’s Challenge Rules

  • The Benny’s Challenge is a pizza eating challenge open to all individuals 18 years and older.
  • Residents under 18 years old may participate with their guardian’s consent.
  • 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.
  • If contestant claims to be an amateur eater, Benny’s requires 3 days to review claim before victory is declared.

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
  • Lying about amateur eating status

Challenge Awards

  • $280 Check issued within 30 days of Challenge ($100 for professionals)
  • Benny’s Challenge T-Shirt (while supplies last)
  • Picture posted to website and in the store with time completed
  • Bragging rights

Benny's Invitational

The Benny’s Invitational Pizza Eating Championship is our biggest—and boldest—celebration of pizza yet. As an officially sanctioned Major League Eating event, this competition challenges pros to eat as many Benny’s slices as possible in just 10 minutes. With a grand prize of $2,800 on the line, it’s serious business. We hosted our first championship in 2022 at Benny Marzano’s in Blacksburg, the original Benny’s location, and our second in 2024 at Benny Peretti’s in Philadelphia. Competitive eating legend Geoff Esper holds the champion title for both years, downing 11.5 slices in 2022 and 11 slices in 2024. This event combines the spirit of fun, fierce competition, and our signature oversized slices—all in true Benny’s style.

Man in a hat and blue blazer speaking into a microphone to an audience near large pizzas outdoors.Empty vintage Polaroid photo frame with a white center and weathered edges.