North Carolina Ranked As 1 Of The Best Competitive Eating States In America

I'll be honest outside of the hot dog eating contest on Coney Island I've never given much thought to the sport of competitive eating. In fact, I find the entire idea of it disgusting and nauseating. But apparently the state of North Carolina doesn't despise this organized sport (yes you read that correctly) as much as I do.

Yes, North Carolina ranks as one of the best states for competitive eating. This is according to research by our friends at Betway. They analyzed "Google search data for relevant terms, the number of MLE native eaters, and the number of food challenges available in all the states and Canada" in order to create these rankings.

But what exactly is competitive eating? Essentially contestants are challenged to eat as many of an item as they can within a set time frame. Consume the most and you're the winner. Again not sure what I'm missing here but none of that sounds like something I'd like to watch or participate in.

But ranking 12th out of 50 states was North Carolina when it comes to competitive eating. So we are far from the worst place to be if that sounds like something you are into. North Carolina ranks 12th with 163 food challenge locations.

Thanks to our friends at Betway for sharing their research with us. You can read the full study and methodology here.

While it's not officially summer yet, that has not stopped folks from firing up the grill. Here are six burger restaurants in Charlotte that people love.

And what better way to kick off any summer cookout than with a nice charcoal-grilled burger! Now you may be asking just what makes the great burger? I got a few tips from Burger Republic, a popular burger restaurant in Tennessee. According to the chefs there, there are some 'must-have's' when it comes to creating a 'great' burger. They include:

Now that we have the essentials for a great burger, now on to some of the spots in the Queen City that offer great burgers like these. In fact, these are six of the burger spots that people rave about. Check them out for yourself!

If the name is throwing you off a bit, don't let it. This small free-standing building is nestled in NoDa (North Davidson) in the  Belmont neighborhood, where neighbors essentially had their say on what eatery they'd love to see in the community. The owners came up with ACE No. 3 where they created the "Ace" burger. That is two thin beef patties with American cheese, steamed onions, house-made pickles on a brioche bun. The owners say the idea behind the burger is tasty and simple. Their mantra: 'Less is more.'  

Don't let the little red house fool you! This spot has been voted as one of the best burger spots in the Queen City time and time again. Brooks Sandwich Shop, in the NoDa area, has been around since 1973 selling burgers and hot dogs. Many people come from miles around to sample a burger and their chili. It is now run by the third generation of Brooks who still have lines around the building.

This is a relatively new burger spot inside Optimist Hall, but it is growing in popularity. At Harriet’s, it's more than just a good burger, it's their sense of community, too. For example, Tuesdays are random act of kindness day where they give out a free meal to a random customer and they also donate hamburger meals to frontline workers.  Owners say they are in the "mind-boosting business." Now, on to the burger. They offer a grilled black Angus patty on a brioche bun with pickles, red onions, and simple sauce. Another example of less is more!

This could be called the 'OG' or 'oldy, but goodie', but either way they've been in the burger business since 1945. The Diamond is proven to be tried and true. Despite several new owners over the past few years, there is one element that has remained consistent -- solid home-cooking and southern hospitality. Their Full Blown Hemi burger has three beef patties (a total pound of meat), with chili, mustard, onions and slaw for the Southern-style.  

Nothing like a good ol'-fashioned burger in a good ol'-fashioned soda shoppe. And that's exactly what you'll get when you visit the Park Road Soda Shoppe. This cozy, quaint diner has been around since 1999 serving up breakfast, lunch and dinner. And in it's 50's dining style, this is where you want to go for a great simple burger. You can try their classic five-ounce burger served Carolina-style includes chili, slaw, mustard and onions. And of course, like a classic soda shoppe you have to add fries and a shake.  

Another classic eatery is South 21 Drive In. It has all the nostalgia of the good ol' days. It opened in 1955 by the three brothers, and has now become a landmark in Charlotte landmark. And not much has changed in it's appearance and it's prices, too. The Super Boy burger is still around which includes two hamburger patties topped with mustard, lettuce, onion, and tomato- simple yet inimitable. Nothing like ol' school. Happy eating!