Man eats 18th brat in final seconds to win title

This year's brat-eating contest looked like it was going to end in a tie.

But with 15 seconds left on the clock, Travis Mizejewski downed his 18th brat, one more than his closest opponent, and claimed his title as "2014 Brat Eating Champion."

Mizejewski, who managed to eat 17 brats last year, said he didn't expect to come out on top.

"There was a guy here who I was sure was going to out eat me," Mizejewski said.

When asked how he felt after consuming all those brats in just 10 minutes, the 34-year-old from Amery, Wis., simply replied, "full."

Unlike last year's winner — Bobby Smith, of Racine — Mizejewski said he would not be eating anymore brats that day.

Smith, who set a new record in 2013 with 20 brats, did not show up for the contest this year.

"I was sure he would be here," Mizejewski said.

Kym Leibham, who organizes the event for Johnsonville each year, said she was disappointed Smith didn't participate.

"He does come from Racine, so I knew he was tentative," Leibham said.

The contest is one of the highlights of the annual Brat Days Festival — officially, Sheboygan Jaycees Present Johnsonville Brat Days.

Every year, hundreds of spectators come out to watch the brave participants compete for a year's supply of Johnsonville Sausage, a $500 dollar prize for themselves and $500 for the charity of their choice.

Mizejewski chose to donate the $500 for charity to the Sheboygan Neighbors Against Drugs.

Historically, the winner has also been awarded the famed charcoal-and-tongs trophy. This year's trophy, however, featured a golden cup and crown mounted onto a wooden base that read "Championville" and featured the Brat Days logo.

Of the 20 people who registered for the contest, 17 showed up. Brad Henning, who had been on the waiting list, filled in for Brad Koening, bringing the total number of contestants to 18.

Leibham said registration for the contest normally opens around March or April, but people start inquiring in December of the year before.

"I actually had somebody today ask me if they could register for next year already," Leibham said. "I said no."

Although Leibham has been organizing the the brat-eating contest for the past nine years, she noticed something a little different this time around.

"What I liked about it this year that I hadn't seen in other years was the competitors cheering each other on," Leibham said. "None of these guys know each other, but I have to say, they were a pretty cohesive group."

Leibham said while she has a core group of eaters, including two-time champion Wally Jacoby, who come back every year, there are always new people to keep the contest interesting.

"Every year there are more new people who really do want to participate," Leibham said.

Following his victory Saturday, Mizejewski said he may return to defend his title at next year's brat-eating contest.

—Reach Jane Roberts at 920-453-5167.