GRAND RAPIDS, MI - The Great American Blueberry Challenge culminated in the first-ever blueberry eating championship this past Saturday. The U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC), in partnership with Major League Eating, invited professional competitive eaters to eat as many blueberries as possible in the span of eight minutes, setting a world record of 18.475 lbs. The championship took place during the Advil Targeted Relief Major League Pickleball (MLP) Mid-Season Tournament.

"While we work to generate excitement for blueberries all year long, we think National Blueberry Month makes July the biggest and best month of the year, and we know that many blueberry superfans feel the same way! What better way to capture that enthusiasm than with a thrilling spectacle that turns ‘grab a boost of blue’ into a literal sport—while at the same time engaging pickleball players and fans as the Official Fruit of Major League Pickleball,” said Shelly Hartmann, Chair of the USHBC, blueberry grower, and Owner of True Blue Farms. “Whether you enjoy blueberries for an active lifestyle, or simply because they’re delicious, we hope to inspire and grow even more love and passion for blueberries year after year.”

Featured at the event were special guest officiants Hartmann and professional pickleball player Anna Bright of the MLP St. Louis Shock.

Patrick Bertoletti took first place in the competition, earning a cash prize as well as the inaugural title of blueberry eating champion, a press release stated. An impressive total of 82.769 lbs of blueberries were devoured by the competitors during the event, with a final ranking as follows:

• First place: Patrick Bertoletti, 18.475 lbs
• Second place: Geoffrey Esper, 16.044 lbs
• Third place: James Webb, 15.319 lbs
• Fourth place: Nick Wehry, 12.600 lbs
• Fifth place: Gideon Oji, 12.569 lbs

The Great American Blueberry Challenge social media contest runs through July 31 and is specifically for everyday consumers. USHBC invites people to think of an idea that shows off a creative, unique, or downright wacky way to enjoy blueberries. To enter, participants must share their video on Instagram, tagging @blueberries and including #BlueberryChallengeContest in the post.

We applaud all of the competitors on their dedication to blueberry consumption!