Do you participate in competitive eating for money or recognition?

Do you participate in competitive eating for money or recognition?

Ian "The Invader" Hickman (Competitive Eater) gives expert video advice on: What do you love about competitive eating?; What is your favorite competitive eating contest?; How do you get ready for a competitive eating contest? and more...

I participate in competitive eating for the recognition, without a doubt. I have a full time job. This is my hobby. I get paid to enjoy my hobby, so even though the money is fine, I usually get free trips to go wherever I'm competing at, that's not really an issue. I love having the title, the trophies. I think it's awesome. I just love saying that I beat out the next guy and I'm doing well at something.