The Spanish Luxury Ham Eating Contest You Have Been Waiting For

For years, fans of ham-cutting competitions have asked, “When will there be a ham-eating contest?” The wait is finally over! The National Association of Ham Cutters (ANCJ) has answered the call by organizing the first-ever Ham Eating Contest, an event designed to celebrate the rich tradition of Spanish ham while putting participants’ appetites to the test.

This exciting competition will take place during the Final of the XV Spanish Ham Cutters Championship, scheduled for March 14, 15, and 16 in Badajoz. Among the various activities planned, the ham-eating contest promises to be a highlight of the weekend, bringing together ham lovers from all over Spain.

Can a Team of Three Eat an Entire 8 kg Ham?

The challenge is simple yet daunting: each team of three must eat an entire acorn-fed Iberian ham weighing between 8 and 8.5 kg, within a maximum time of 2 hours and 15 minutes.

Five teams will compete, each having three participants, making 15 contestants ready to prove their ham-eating prowess. Anselmo Pérez, the 2011 Spanish Champion of Ham Cutting, gave the idea for this one-of-a-kind event. He wanted to develop a tournament promoting the love of Iberian ham while delivering an exceptional experience for players and spectators.

How to Participate

Are you a ham enthusiast? Think you have what it takes? Here’s how you can join:

Eligibility: Any adult can participate.

Team Size: Each team consists of three members.

Registration: Interested participants must submit a Registration Form with their team details.

Submission: Send your form via email to info.ancj@gmail.com with the subject line: Ham Eating Competition.

For those who want to read the detailed rules, the Ham Eating Competition Rules are available upon request.

The Experts Will Handle the Cutting

To ensure fairness and precision, the hams will be expertly cut by the finalists of the XV Spanish Championship of Ham Cutting. Each group will have two professional ham cutters slicing their ham, ensuring the meat is perfectly presented and easy to enjoy.

This also adds an educational element to the event, as participants and spectators can witness Spain’s finest jamón carving skills while indulging in one of the country’s most treasured delicacies.

Where and When?

The Ham Eating Contest will occur at noon on March 15th in the courtyard of the "Manuel Rojas" Congress and Exhibition Palace in Badajoz. This gorgeous location will provide the ideal setting for an entertaining and delicious event.

Why This Contest Matters

Beyond being a fun and competitive event, the Ham Eating Contest serves a larger purpose—promoting and appreciating the tradition of Iberian ham. Ham, particularly Pata Negra Ham, is deeply embedded in Spanish culture and is recognized globally for its rich flavor and artisanal production methods.

By organizing this contest, the ANCJ aims to:

1. Encourage the consumption of high-quality Iberian ham.

2. Showcase the skill and precision involved in cutting ham.

3. Create an engaging experience for ham lovers.

4. Highlight the heritage and craftsmanship behind Spain’s famous ham industry.

A Celebration of Spanish Gastronomy

The Ham Eating Contest is more than just a competition—it celebrates Spanish gastronomy, tradition, and craftsmanship. Whether someone is participating, watching, or enjoying the event, this is an opportunity to be part of a unique moment in ham history.

So, gather your team, sharpen your appetite, and buckle up for a ham feast like no other! Will you rise to the challenge and become a champion of Spain’s first-ever ham-eating contest?

Join us in Badajoz and be part of this unforgettable culinary event!... LEARN MORE

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