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Taste of victory: Southwest Florida man devours key lime pie for top prize

Tom Luciano of Venice, raises his hands in victory after winning the Key Lime Pie Eating Championship in Key West, on July 4. The sticky showdown saw 25 competitors, including U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer Lyndon Engle, left, and Duncan Barks of Key West, right, dive mouth-first into Florida’s most iconic dessert. The hands-free contest is a highlight of the island’s annual Key Lime Festival, which concludes Sunday.
Mark Hedden/Florida Keys News Bureau
Tom Luciano of Venice, raises his hands in victory after winning the Key Lime Pie Eating Championship in Key West, on July 4. The sticky showdown saw 25 competitors, including U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer Lyndon Engle, left, and Duncan Barks of Key West, right, dive mouth-first into Florida’s most iconic dessert. The hands-free contest is a highlight of the island’s annual Key Lime Festival, which concludes Sunday.
Tom Luciano of Venice, Fla., poses with his champion’s belt after winning the World Famous Key Lime Pie Eating Championship on Friday, July 4, 2025, at the Southernmost Beach Resort in Key West, Fla. A tropical spin on New York City’s traditional July 4 hot dog-eating contest, the event challenges participants to devour a 9” whipped-cream-topped Key Lime pie, hands-free. Luciano triumphed over 24 fellow contestants with a time of 2 minutes and 46:49 seconds. The contest is part of Key West’s annual Key Lime Festival, which runs through Sunday, July 6. (Carol Tedesco/KeyLimeFestival.com)
Carol Tedesco
Tom Luciano of Venice, Fla., poses with his champion’s belt after winning the World Famous Key Lime Pie Eating Championship on Friday, July 4, 2025, at the Southernmost Beach Resort in Key West, Fla. A tropical spin on New York City’s traditional July 4 hot dog-eating contest, the event challenges participants to devour a 9” whipped-cream-topped Key Lime pie, hands-free. Luciano triumphed over 24 fellow contestants with a time of 2 minutes and 46:49 seconds. The contest is part of Key West’s annual Key Lime Festival, which runs through Sunday, July 6. (Carol Tedesco/KeyLimeFestival.com)

In Key West, this July Fourth, the lure of the lime ... as in Key lime ... was on full display. Hundreds of spectators packed the Southernmost City in the Continental United States to see who would claim the coveted Key Lime Pie Eating Champ title. Those with an eye on the pies, delivered a show-stopping performance.

With hands behind backs and some sporting safety goggles, 25 hopefuls competed for the top prize; devouring the island city’s signature dessert — the key lime pie.

“There's no place I'd rather be on the 4th of July than in Key West eating a nine-inch key lime pie. It beats a New York hotdog every single time,” said festival co-director Liz Love.

Now in its 13th year, this tart and tasty tradition has been the centerpiece of Key West's annual Key Lime Festival, which runs five days and features everything from sip and strolls to the famous key lime pie drop from the top of the Key West Lighthouse.

The Key Lime Pie Eating Contest that attracts contestants from far and wide — Chicago, Kentucky, Texas and Lake of the Ozarks.

But it was a Southwest Florida man, with a unique technique, who emerged as the top dog!

“My strategy today was listening to my wife who told me to use my chin. open my mouth and just swallow . . . and less chewing,” said Tom Luciano, from the Sarasota County locale of Venice.

Luciano's advice paid off. He won the contest in just two minutes, 46 seconds. But he’s not the fastest. That title is still being held by Trey Bergman. In 2018, the attorney from Houston, Texas devoured his dessert in just 40:57 seconds.

So, what’s is the winner going to eat tonight?

“I am going to have dessert tonight. I feel like I haven't had enough key lime pie yet,” he said.

For more about this flavorful festival, visit KeyLimeFestival.com.

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