How long have you been a competitive eater?

How long have you been a competitive eater?

Arnie "Chowhound" Chapman (Competitive Eater) gives expert video advice on: How long have you been a competitive eater?; How many competitive eating titles do you hold?; What is your 'champion food' in competitive eating? and more...

I'd like to think that I have been a competitive eater my entire life. I am the youngest of three brothers. But in terms of actual competitions, on a frequent basis since 2004, but I had done some contests before that, that I did pretty well in. I think before it became established as a legitimate activity, I had done some contests but never knew that there were organizations you could join, that kind of thing. But in terms of a frequent basis - since 2004.