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A Sarasota County man takes the prize in Key West's annual Key lime pie-eating contest

Tom Luciano of Venice, raises his hands in victory after winning the Key Lime Pie Eating Championship in Key West, on July 4. The sticky showdown saw 25 competitors, including U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer Lyndon Engle, left, and Duncan Barks of Key West,  right, dive mouth-first into Florida's most iconic dessert. The hands-free contest is a highlight of the island's annual Key Lime Festival, which concludes Sunday.
Mark Hedden
/
Florida Keys News Bureau
Tom Luciano of Venice raises his hands in victory after winning the Key Lime Pie Eating Championship in Key West on July 4, 2025.

With hands behind backs and some sporting safety goggles, 25 hopefuls devouring the island city's signature dessert. Check out the photos.

On July Fourth, the lure of the lime – as in Key lime – was on full display. Hundreds of spectators packed Key West to see who would claim the Key Lime Pie Eating Championship. Those with an eye on the pies, delivered a show-stopping performance.

With hands behind backs and some sporting safety goggles, 25 hopefuls competed for the top prize; devouring the island city's signature dessert — the Key lime pie.

"There's no place I'd rather be on the Fouth of July than in Key West eating a 9-inch Key lime pie. It beats a New York hotdog every single time," said festival co-director Liz Love.

Now in its 13th year, this tradition has been the centerpiece of the city's annual Key Lime Festival, which runs five days and features everything from sip and strolls to the famous pie drop from the top of the Key West Lighthouse.

The contest attracts contestants from far and wide — Chicago, Kentucky, Texas and Lake of the Ozarks.

A Venice man with a unique technique emerged on top.

"My strategy today was listening to my wife, who told me to use my chin. open my mouth and just swallow – and less chewing," said Tom Luciano.

The advice paid off. He won the contest in 2 minutes, 46 seconds. But he's not the fastest. That all-time mark is held by Trey Bergman. In 2018, the attorney from Houston ate his dessert in 40:57.

Copyright 2025 WGCU

WGCU Staff
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