Pie in the sky? Catholic priest seeks to reclaim World Famous Key Lime Pie Eating Champion title

Archdiocese of Miami priest Father Gary Delos Santos has announced he will return to defend and reclaim his previous Key lime pie eating championship title, won in 2013 when he was a seminarian assigned at The Basilica of Saint Mary Star of the Sea in Key West. (Photo courtesy Rob O’Neal)

In 2013, Edgardo “Gary” Delos Santos, a seminarian assigned at the Basilica of Saint Mary Star of the Sea in Key West, FL, triumphed in meringue-faced glory over a field of fierce competitors at the island’s inaugural World Famous Key Lime Pie Eating Championship.

Now an ordained Archdiocese of Miami Catholic priest, Father Gary has announced his intention to return and reclaim his title at the 2024 event, set to take place at the Southernmost Beach Café on Thurs., July 4.

Father Gary’s 2013 victory was not an anomaly; born the youngest of six children in Zamboanga City, Philippines, he is known to revel in spirited competition and adventure. We caught up with the intrepid soul-man for a pre-competition Q&A ahead of this year’s event:

Q: How did winning the 2013 championship impact your life?
I was a seminarian studying for the priesthood in Key West when I won the Key Lime Pie Eating Championship in 2013, and it impacted my life joyously! What an experience, to win the very first competition and to have this story to tell!
 
Q: Have you competed in any other extreme eating competitions?
This is definitely not a regular occurrence for me. Other than one eating contest at a family gathering in the Philippines when I was young, there’s only been the 2013 Championship competition.
Q: Are you currently in training, and if yes, what does training consist of?
Yes! I am training using Publix Key Lime pies, though I can’t reveal how many or how often. For the next stage of training I will add an overloaded cream on top.
 
Q: Will you have a cheering section of supporters?
I have friends joining me at the event, and invite and welcome my Saint Mary Star of the Sea Basilica brethren priests to come and cheer me on! And I hope that Father Christopher Marino, the new Rector (and once a Miami Herald food critic!) will come.
 
Q: Do you feel your relationship with the Creator could give you an edge?
My prayers will surely help and give me the “positive vibes!”
 
Q: During the competition – collar or no collar?
Uhmmmm….let me surprise everyone!
 Q: Will you bless your pie before beginning? (And if yes, how about your competitor’s pies?)
I will say a prayer for myself, my competitors, and for all of us to have fun! To have an excellent fraternal time with one another, and enjoy celebrating our Independence Day! God Bless us all; God Bless America!

The World Famous Key Lime Pie Eating Championship is a highlight of Key West’s annual Key Lime Festival, set to run from July 3 – July 7. Other facets include culinary events, a Key Lime Pie Hop, Key Lime rum tasting experiences, a Key Lime cocktail “Sip & Stroll,” a gravity-defying Key Lime pie drop from the top of the Key West Lighthouse, a Key Lime Passport game, and much more.

The Key Lime Festival is presented in part by the Monroe County Tourist Development Council and We’ve Got the Keys. The World Famous Key Lime Pie Eating Championship event will take place July 4 at the Southernmost Beach Café, 1405 Duval St., 10am-2pm, contest at 1:30pm. Admission is free for spectators, $25 for competitors, and is open to those aged 18 and up. Prospective competitors can fill out an entry form and pay the entry fee at http://www.keylimefestival.com, where a full Festival event schedule can also be found.

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