TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — Stephen Curgan is a world champion who has traveled all over the globe and on Sunday, he came all the way from Arkansas to Terre Haute to not only participate in competitions, but to break the record for the most 7 Pot Primos eaten in a sitting.
“It seems surreal. I’ve been to London. I’ve been to South Africa. It’s opened so many doors and opportunities to compete. I’ve met so many amazing people in the community, whether they’re other competitors, craft sauce-makers, pepper grows and different stuff, so it’s just really like an amazing and uplifting community of good people,” said Curgan.
The crowd roared to cheer him on. The sheer temperature of the pepper makes for an excruciating experience, but he broke the world record, surpassing the previous record of 77, by eating 85 to reach the proper weight.
This farmer grew the peppers Curgan ate and said they are no small feat to put down.
“Very intense little nodules. They look tiny, they look innocent, but holy cow these things have been tested at 1.79 million Scoville Heat Units. Your average jalapeño runs 500 to 2000 Scoville Units,” said Robert Skrivan.
This was just one of the events at the expo, there was also amateur competitions where audience members could volunteer. In this competition, they started with eight people and with each round, peppers increased in heat.
MC Kevin Bracken said the energy throughout the day was great and hopes to continue this expo next year.
“We had Buffalo Wild Wing was here, they did the wing-eating contest. Los Tres Cominos and taco tequila did the taco takedown. So, we had a lot of competitions,” said Bracken.
Curgan, also known as “Fiery Red”, said he is also developing his own hot cause company and what’s next for curgan, he said he plans to continue to compete and grow the brand, “Firey Red”.
To learn more about Curgan visit him at Fiery Redd’s Hot Sauce | craft hot sauce or on Stephen ‘Fiery Redd’ Curgan – YouTube.
