Eating Machines Philippines

Eating Machine Profile: Argie “Strongman” Samson

// August 17th, 2009 // Fun Stuff

Our leader board is populated with such diverse individuals, it’s always interesting to look deeper into the lives of each and every one of them. This week, we have a guy who seriously fits the nickname I gave him. And before anyone asks, no, I did not know what he looked like prior to my assigning him the nickname.

If anyone could give the leader board elite a run for their  money, it could very well be this guy. He’s determined, he has the technique and he’s built like a brick. That’s normally a winning combination.

7-11 asked Argie “Strongman” Samson a few questions and here’s what he has to say.

7-11:  Please give a brief description of your personal background ( ie. age, profession, etc.).
Argie Samson:I’m a Fitness Instructor. I’m 31 years old, married, with 1 child and expecting another. My hobbies are body building, watching movies, playing the guitar and binge eating.

7-11: How did your interest in competitive eating start?
AS: It started when I joined a beef bowl eating contest, made it to the finals but unfortunately didn’t win the grand prize. Since then, I started training more.

7-11: Who is the competitive eater that you look up to the most? Why?
AS: Takeru Kobayashi, because even though he’s into binge eating, he’s still in great shape. I’m into body building myself and I’d like to still look good while competing in this sport.

7-11: Describe your competitive eating style. What food are you most comfortable with?
AS: It’s as simple as trying not to get choked and washing down the food as fast as I can. I’m most comfortable with burgers.

7-11: What are some of the methods or techniques you adapt in order to develop your skill?
AS: I prefer not to answer this question, because each competitor has their own secret weapons. I won’t give mine away. Hehe.

7-11: What is your personal record?
AS: 1 min and 28 seconds for five hot dogs. I know I can do better but I would rather save the best for last.

7-11: How did you hear about 7-11’s Big Bite competition? Why do you want to join this competition? How did you prepare for it?
AS: Just through flyers. I want to win the money, of course, for my family and I really enjoy joining this type of competition.

7-11: We heard that you record a video of yourself trying to beat the record. What’s the reason behind this?
AS: In order to review mistakes of previous tries, and to develop new techniques.

7-11:Do you think that competitive eating has already reached its full potential here in the Philippines ?
AS: Absolutely, because I know a lot of binge eaters like myself. We really have turned to the new era’s ROCKSTARS. Hehe.

7-11: Apart from yourself, do you know of anyone or any organization that does competitive eating here in the  Philippines ?
AS: I know some friends who join, as I’ve joined quite a few beef bowl eating contest and the (certain type of burger) challenge at (a popular fastfood chain).

7-11: How do you think the 7-11 Big Bite Competition will improve the milieu of competitive eating in the  Philippines ?
AS: This will be the beginning of a bushfire to other establishments, just like Nathan’s hot dog eating contest in the US. Now it’s being held yearly and gaining popularity. This should be part of the olympics! Hehe.

And there you have it, guys. Our resident macho man has the tools and the experience to debunk our number 1 contender, but can he do it come showdown time? Check in every now and then for updates about the competition.

The elimination period is now over. Once I get all the details for the semi-finals, I’ll post them here so we can all watch these people devour processed meat products right before our eyes.