Juliet Lee Finishes On Top After 3-Way OT ‘Eat Off’ In Nashville - UPDATE

Juliet Lee's win in Nashville over Juris Shibayama (on left, above) and Badlands Booker (on right) was far from "lovely" as her excessive debris had some crying foul.

Juliet Lee, the No. 2-ranked female eater in the world, will return for the second year in a row to the Krystal Square Off World Hamburger Eating Championship after a dramatic overtime win at yesterday’s Nashville Qualifier.

In a contest marked by controversy and the hottest and most humid conditions seen on the tour so far, Lee’s victory had some calling foul due to excessive debris during the eight-minute regulation period. After a lengthy conference with judges, Major League Eating made the decision to hold a three person eat-off, the first ever in Krystal Square Off history, between “The Lovely” Lee, Eric “Badlands” Booker and Juris “Dr. Bigtime” Shibayama. Each was presented with 10 Krystals, and Lee was first to consume hers, earning her the win.

Explaining its decision, IFOCE.com reports:

Juliet Lee maintained a five second dunk throughout regulation but pre-chewed so aggressively the judges had difficulty determining her final count. Many fans and eaters alike questioned the outcome. Judges determined that the eat off should occur.

Major League Eating has announced it will hold an an impromptu conference call this evening to consider the adoption of a new rule to eliminate confusion in future contests. While the Sheas are expected to be on the call, the league is still trying to confirm the participation of Commissioner Hungry Charles Hardy.

Credited with 51 Krystals each, Badlands and Dr. Bigtime now join Sonya Thomas as the top three non-winning numbers so far. If their numbers hold one more week, the three will compete at the finals in Chattanooga on Sept. 28, as the three wild card winners.

Among other competing in Nashville include Erik “the Red” Denmark, Dave “US Male” Goldstein, “Wild” Bill Myers, “Nasty” Nate Miller, “Pretty Boy” Pete Davekos, Andrew Wong and Steve Larson.

Check back here for photos and video from yesterday’s Nashville Qualifier.

UPDATE: Click here for photos from Saturday’s qualifier and OT eat-off in Nashville.