A hot atmosphere, mouths on fire and a pretty hot competition. That of the biggest pepper eater. THE Pepper challenge returns for its second edition, Saturday, Place Arnaud-Bernard in Toulouse. The goal is simple as pie: swallow as many peppers as possible, from the lightest to the strongest. “The last one, the formidable Carolina Reaper, is at 2 million 5 on theScoville scale – which measures the strength of peppers. In all, the most daring will be able to taste 11 peppers and spicy sauces provided by Croissy fruits for the occasion,” explains the organizer of the competition, Jean-Philippe Fol, one of the merchants of the place and the Arnaud BB association which wishes revive the neighborhood. Hoping that this Saturday, we will not resuscitate one of the participants. “They are regulars from the outset. They have strong physical resistance, it’s impressive.”
“The mouth is anesthetized”
However, the participants seem to be going there as tourists. If some people train by eating spicy food a few days before, others go by feeling. “I’m not thinking about it too much at the moment. It’s mainly the mind that plays a role in the moment,” explains Etienne Simbsler. At 34 years old, this brewer from Blagnac is participating in this competition for the second time. Finalist last year, he wants to be a little more ambitious for Saturday. “At a given moment, the mouth is anesthetized and that’s when we can really move forward,” he adds. This year, around thirty carefree people are taking on the challenge. No need for a medical certificate but the organizers still recommend checking with your doctor if the body is capable of handling such foods. “Participants sign a waiver. In the event of a risk, we are not responsible,” says Jean-Philippe Fol.
Inspired by American “eating challenge” competitions, unusual challenges coming straight from the United States, but also from the show YouTube Hot Ones where celebrities answer questions while eating very spicy sauces, Piment Challenge risks heating up tempers. But be careful, one glass of milk, and you are disqualified. You have to suffer to be competitive. Even if “a good atmosphere is essential in the competition. We encourage each other,” assures the former finalist. And over time, there will only be three left. Euphoric, sweaty, burning from the inside.
To be won for these finalists: infinite respect from the organizers and spices to play with friends. But above all and certainly a long time in the toilet. “There’s lava coming out of your body afterwards, that’s for sure, but that’s the game,” laughs Etienne Simbsler.
Meeting from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday, Place Arnaud-Bernard