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Visitanos: Plaza Herrera, C. 9a Oeste, Panamá, Provincia de Panamá, Panama

Part of The Reaping · Hotel Plaza Herrera

HOT DOG CHALLENGE

How many can you eat in 9 minutes?

THE RULE OF NINE: OFFICIAL ARENA STANDARDS

Hotel Plaza Herrera, Casco Viejo, Panama

Sponsored by

THE HOT DOG CHALLENGE

1. THE ARENA AND ELIGIBILITY

  • The Format: 9 Contestants. 9 Minutes.
  • Requirement: Must be 18 years of age or older. A liability waiver must be signed before taking your seat.
  • The Filter: Organizers reserve the right to deny entry to anyone who is visibly intoxicated, ill, or poses a safety risk.

2. THE CLOCK (START AND FIXED CUT)

  • The Start: Hands off the table. The competition begins strictly at the sound of the bell.
  • The Fixed Stop: Put your hands down immediately when the final horn sounds.
  • The Bite Rule: Food must be completely swallowed before the final whistle to count. Any food still in the mouth when the whistle blows is disallowed. There is no grace period.

3. GAME MECHANICS (SCORING AND CONTROLS)

  • Whole Units Only: No fractions. No half points. Quick grading, no debate.
    ◦ Hot Dogs: Meat + Bun = 1 Unit.
  • Deconstruction: You may separate the food (e.g., meat from bread), but the entire portion must be swallowed before counting the next one.
  • Drinks and Soaking: Water is provided. DO NOT SOAK YOUR FOOD.
  • Condiments: No outside liquids or condiments allowed.

4. THE TURN OF FORTUNE (VOMIT)

  • The Rule: Any vomiting, regurgitation, or “Reversal of Fortune” during the 9-minute period, or before leaving the judges’ area, results in immediate disqualification. The score is reset to zero.
  • The Protocol: There will be a designated container (bucket) behind each seat. Competitors must step away from the table. Littering the Arena table is a serious violation of conduct.

5. PROCEDURE AND AWARD

  • Litter and Clutter: This is a test of ability, not a pigsty. Excessive spitting, throwing food, or deliberate littering will result in immediate disqualification.
  • Tiebreaker: In the event of a tie, a 1-minute sudden-death round will be held using the same food.
  • Final Authority: Each competitor will be assigned a judge. The judge’s score is final. The Organizer’s safety decisions are final. No exceptions.

ENTER THE HOT DOG CONTEST

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    THE GREAT FLAME

    Master Schedule — March 29, 2026

    PHASE 1

    THE PRELUDES (SPEED EATING)

    Each 45-minute block includes: 15 minutes for setup and signing the handoff sheet, 9 minutes of competition, 6 minutes for the awards ceremony, and 15 minutes for cleanup and takedown.

    THE HOT DOG CHALLENGE

    THE BURGER CHALLENGE

    THE PIZZA CHALLENGE

    THE TACO CHALLENGE

    PHASE 2

    THE ARENA RESET (THE VOID)

    DISINFECTION AND RECONSTRUCTION

    The speed trials are completely closed. All trash is cleared from the square.

    The milk and cream stations, the buckets, and the 9-level spice ladder are set up.

    Medical check: The on-site paramedics take their positions.

    PHASE 3

    THE CRUCIBLE (CASCO HEAT CHALLENGE)

    THE INITIATION

    Check-in, relay verification, and wristband distribution. The 13 contestants take their positions.

    THE LOCKDOWN

    Enjoy the festival—safety comes first. No liquids, and don’t touch your face. If you need to stop, raise your hand.

    THE RITE OF FIRE (ROUNDS 1–9)

    All 9 levels of heat are tested. A sudden-death tiebreaker is used if necessary.

    THE SURVIVORS

    Award ceremony, photos, and a quick cleanup.

    PHASE 4

    THE SACRED ORDER (SUNSET)

    THE GOLDEN HOUR

    Registration for those who wish to enter THE13.

    THE CANDLELIGHT CEREMONY

    To enter the inner circle of THE13 each must consume one Carolina Reaper. The only rule is consume the entire thing.

    Our Tours for You

    Tour 1: Panama Canal, History, and Urban Modernity

    Description:

    • Immerse yourself in Panama City's rich history and vibrant modernity on a comprehensive tour.
    • We will begin at 7:45 a.m. by exploring the former military zones and the American legacy within the Canal Zone.
    • Visit the iconic Canal Administration Building and the historic trans-isthmian railway.
    • Witness the impressive passage of ships through the Miraflores Locks at 8:10 a.m.
    • Enjoy the Panama Canal film at the IMAX theater.
    • Visit the American Cemetery in Cardenas.
    • Explore the Amador Causeway, offering panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean.
    • Admire the towering skyscrapers of the modern city.
    • Conclude your tour with a stroll through the historic Casco Antiguo, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
    • Learn about Panama's culture, traditions, and economy.
    • The tour concludes at approximately 12:30 p.m.

    Emberá Community: An Encounter with Ancestral Tradition

    Description:

    • Experience the authentic Emberá culture on an unforgettable journey through the Panamanian jungle.
    • Departure at 8:00 a.m. from your hotel to the La Cabima region.
    • At 9:15 a.m., cruise along the Chagres River on an exhilarating journey.
    • Embark on a jungle trek to a beautiful waterfall, where you can take a refreshing dip.
    • At approximately 10:45 a.m., visit the Emberá community, where you will be welcomed by the Chief.
    • Learn about their customs and traditions, enjoy traditional dances, and savor Emberá cuisine.
    • Contribute directly to the community's economy.
    • Return to Panama City, arriving at Casco Antiguo around 3:00 p.m.

    Chagres River Waterfall, Panamanian Jungle Adventure.

    Description:

    Depart from the Hotel at 8:00 a.m. for Cabima, arriving at Corotu port around 9:15 a.m. From there, we will take a boat on the Chagres River, reaching the jungle in 25 minutes for a brief walk. We will then proceed to the Waterfall for a swim around 10:45 a.m. Afterward, we will return to the Embera community to meet with the Chief, who will explain their customs and traditions. We will participate in their dances, enjoy food prepared by them, and explore the community. We will depart around 1:30 p.m., aiming to arrive back in Casco around 3:00 p.m.