Eater X: Burrito-Eating Machine

A day trader and aspiring pizza chef known as "Eater X" munched through 10-and-three-quarter burritos in a dozen minutes on Saturday to win what was billed as the world burrito-eating championship.

Tim Janus (30), of New York City, said he prepared by just eating candy for a day, which he claimed helped clear his system.

"I love Mexican food," he said after his victory.

About 100 spectators watched the contest outside the Costa Vida restaurant, where about a dozen entrants competed for $3 000 in prize money. The 510g burritos were made of rice, black beans, pork, cheese and a mild sauce wrapped in a tortilla.

Tim Janus is a day trader by day. The 28-year-old Manhattan bachelor entered the equities trading business in 2000 at its Zenith and became familiar with the ups and downs of the NYSE and NASDAQ during lean and difficult years, learning to make split-second decisions in a brutal and unforgiving environment.

This training served him well upon his entry into another difficult arena: competitive eating. The rookie, who burst onto the scene at the Freirich corned beef and cabbage championship in March 2004, has advanced quickly, taking his lumps and learning from the veterans.

He has established himself as an efficient and determined eater during his freshman year, tying the great Cookie Jarvis for fourth place at the National Buffalo Wing Festival and placing second to Badlands Booker in cheesecake and cannoli.