Western Illinois University marketing student Richard Cline, of Libertyville, has a new claim to fame after winning a weekend hot dog-eating contest in Waukegan.
Big Ed’s Bar and Grill hosted the competition as part of the annual Waukegan Wine & Art Stroll. Seven men and one woman competed for this year’s title, with 20-year-old Cline taking home the title.
Cline was able to eat 12 hot dogs and buns in five minutes. He received a T-shirt from Red Hot Chicago and a gift certificate.
According to media accounts of the contest, after capturing the title of “hot dog-eating king,” Cline lifted his shirt to show off his stomach.
“My nickname is ‘Big Country,’ ” said Cline, a former high-school football player. “I guess I won because I came here hungry.”
