Nelson Charlie (48) walked away with R10 000 after conquering the chilli pod eating contest at the Chilli Festival held on April 5 and 6.

Competitors faced a searing lineup of chillies, green and red jalapeños, green serranos, Thai chillies, yellow and red habaneros, yellow Moruga scorpions, chocolate Bhutlahs, magma reapers and Carolina reapers.

After 18 gruelling rounds, Charlie and defending champion Ernest Salzwedel went head-to-head in sudden death.
Charlie outpaced Salzwedel in the final round to secure the win.

“It was a tough competition, but I wanted to win, so I pushed through.

“The sudden death round was the hardest part,” said Charlie, who plans to enjoy his prize with his family.

Festival organiser Anton Botha said the event aimed to bring the chilli community together.