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| birth_date        = 24 December 1987
| birth_date        = 24 December 1987
|alma mater=University of Wollongong|education=Degree in Nutrition}}
|alma mater=University of Wollongong|education=Degree in Nutrition}}
 
Zermatt Neo (born 24 December 1987) is a Singaporean competitive eater and YouTube personality. He is well-known in the competitive eating scene having won the 2017 Food League Singapore Competitive Eating Championship where he finished 92 pieces of chicken wings in 8 minutes.<ref>Zaccheus, Melody. “[https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/food-league-contestant-eats-92-wings-in-8min Food League contestant eats 92 wings in 8min]”. ''The Straits Times''. January 8, 2017. Accessed on 30 October 2019.</ref> As of 2019, Zermatt competes under Food League Singapore (FLS) - a food event organiser and talent management organisation.<ref>“[https://www.linkedin.com/in/zermatt-neo-b1a215b9/ Zermatt Neo]”. ''Linkedin''. Accessed on 30 October 2019. </ref>
Zermatt Neo (born 24 December 1987) is a Singaporean competitive eater and YouTube personality. He is well-known in the competitive eating scene having won the 2017 Food League Singapore Competitive Eating Championship where he finished 92 pieces of chicken wings (approximately 1.37kg) in 8 minutes.<ref>Zaccheus, Melody. “Food League contestant eats 92 wings in 8min”. ''The Straits Times''. January 8, 2017. Accessed on  30 October 2019. Retrieved from:  https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/food-league-contestant-eats-92-wings-in-8min  </ref> As of 2019, Zermatt competes under Food League Singapore (FLS) - a food event organiser and talent management organisation.<ref>“Zermatt Neo”. ''Linkedin''. Accessed on 30 October 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zermatt-neo-b1a215b9/ </ref>
 
==Personal life==
Born on 24 December 1987, Zermatt Neo’s first name was inspired by his aunt’s jigsaw puzzle set that featured the Swiss municipality, Zermatt.<ref>“September: Zermatt Neo”. ''BiTES''. August 31, 2015. Accessed on 31 October 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.bites.com.sg/newsbites/september-zermatt-neo/     </ref><ref>“Zermatt Neo”. ''FoodChallenges.com''. Accessed on 31 October 2019. Retrieved from:  https://www.foodchallenges.com/members/zermattneo/about/</ref> Zermatt is the youngest of two siblings. His sister, Peggie Neo, is a YouTube personality who mainly posts mukbang videos.<ref>Peggie Neo. “sister Peggie Neo with Zermatt Neo”. Facebook. September 29, 2017. Accessed on 30 October 2019. Retrieved from:  https://www.facebook.com/peggieeats/photos/a.1508884022741518/1734785883484663/?type=1&theater  </ref><ref>Peggie Neo. “Why Peggie Eats? Q&A Video”. ''YouTube''. September 3, 2016. Accessed on 31 October 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c8eUwnzSLu8 </ref> Zermatt Neo is related to Raina Huang, who is a competitive eater based in Southern California.<ref>Zermatt Neo. “1 Minute Peanut Butter&Jam Sandwich Challenge! 7 Sandwiches Eaten in 1 Minute?!”. ''Facebook''. October 3, 2019. Accessed on 30 October 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=579557616184195  </ref><ref>Raìna. “Crazy Magic tour”. ''Facebook''. September 29, 2019. Accessed on 31 October 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.facebook.com/RainaHuang/posts/finally-after-a-year-i-have-my-crazy-magic-tour-with-magic-mitch-all-up-and-upda/2445052948911086/ </ref><ref>“Raìna - About”. ''Facebook''. Accessed on 31 October 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.facebook.com/pg/RainaHuang/about/?ref=page_internal</ref>
 
==Background==
==Background==
Zermatt Neo is a full-time competitive eater.<ref>Zermatt Neo. “Q&A with a Competitive Eater in Singapore!”. ''YouTube''. October 28, 2018. Accessed on 31 October 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALivf1RjAHA     </ref> Zermatt has shared that he can stomach an average of 5 kilograms worth of food in one sitting but has a low spice and alcohol tolerance.<ref>Toh, Hannah. “Competitive eater Zermatt Neo is Singapore's up-and-coming mukbang star”. ''Youth.sg.'' December 10, 2018. Accessed on 31 October 2019. Retrieved from:  https://www.youth.sg/Spotted/People/2018/12/Competitive-eater-Zermatt-Neo-is-Singapores-up-and-coming-mukbang-star </ref><ref>Zermatt Neo. “Q&A with a Competitive Eater in Singapore!” ''YouTube''. October 28, 2018. Accessed on 31 October 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALivf1RjAHA&t=2s </ref> He holds a degree in Nutrition from the University of Wollongong and is a Certified Personal Trainer.<ref>zermattneo. “Personal Trainer Certification”. ''Instagram''. October 5, 2013. Accessed on 30 October 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.instagram.com/p/fFSSx-MoLM/ </ref>
Zermatt Neo is a full-time competitive eater.<ref name=":0">Zermatt Neo. “[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALivf1RjAHA Q&A with a Competitive Eater in Singapore!]”. ''YouTube''. October 28, 2018. Accessed on 31 October 2019. </ref> Zermatt has shared that he can stomach an average of 5 kilograms worth of food in one sitting but has a low spice and alcohol tolerance.<ref name=":0" /><ref>Toh, Hannah. “[https://www.youth.sg/Spotted/People/2018/12/Competitive-eater-Zermatt-Neo-is-Singapores-up-and-coming-mukbang-star Competitive eater Zermatt Neo is Singapore's up-and-coming mukbang star]”. ''Youth.sg.'' December 10, 2018. Accessed on 31 October 2019. </ref> He holds a degree in Nutrition from the University of Wollongong and is a Certified Personal Trainer.<ref>zermattneo. “[https://www.instagram.com/p/fFSSx-MoLM/ Didn't expect it to come this fast but yeah, I'm certified]”. ''Instagram''. October 5, 2013. Accessed on 30 October 2019. </ref>
 
===Personal life===
Born on 24 December 1987, Zermatt Neo’s first name was inspired by his aunt’s jigsaw puzzle set that featured the Swiss municipality, Zermatt.<ref name=":1">“[https://www.bites.com.sg/newsbites/september-zermatt-neo/ September: Zermatt Neo]”. ''BiTES''. August 31, 2015. Accessed on 31 October 2019. </ref><ref>“[https://www.foodchallenges.com/members/zermattneo/about/ Zermatt Neo]”. ''FoodChallenges.com''. Accessed on 31 October 2019.</ref> Zermatt is the youngest of two siblings. His sister, [[Peggie Neo (Singapore YouTuber)|Peggie Neo]], is a YouTube personality who mainly posts ''mukbang'' videos.<ref>Peggie Neo. "[https://www.facebook.com/peggieeats/photos/a.1508884022741518/1734785883484663/?type=1&theater With Singapore's No. 1 Competitive Eater, aka the brother Zermatt Neo 😂😂😂]". ''Facebook''. September 28, 2017. Accessed on 13 October 2020.</ref> Zermatt Neo is also related to Raina Huang, who is a competitive eater based in Southern California.<ref>Raìna. “[https://www.facebook.com/RainaHuang/posts/finally-after-a-year-i-have-my-crazy-magic-tour-with-magic-mitch-all-up-and-upda/2445052948911086/ I'm going to Taiwan in October and tour with my cousin Zermatt Neo andRandy Santel will also be there!! stay tuned for details!]”. ''Facebook''. September 29, 2019. Accessed on 31 October 2019. </ref>
====Workout & diet====
To maintain a lean physique, Zermatt works out 6 to 7 days a week. His workouts typically last around 2 to 3 hours and consists of compound exercises and cardio training.<ref name=":0" /> On average, Zermatt covers 2 to 3 food events per week. In between food challenges, he prepares for each event by entering a caloric deficit through fasting for 16 to 18 hours daily.<ref name=":0" /> This is a part of his intermittent fasting regime where he only consumes only water and BCAA (Branched-Chain Amino Acids) supplements.<ref name=":1" /> His diet consists of mostly vegetables and lean protein.<ref name=":2">Meah, Natasha. “[https://www.tnp.sg/news/singapore/personal-trainer-gets-online-fame-chicken-rice-video Personal trainer gets online fame with chicken rice video]”. ''The New Paper''. February 3, 2016. Accessed on 30 October 2019.</ref>
===Competitive eating===
===Competitive eating===
[[File:Zermatt Neo Ramen Champion Big Eater Challenge 2013.jpg|thumb|''Zermatt Neo (right) pictured with Tomoko Miyake (centre) and Ng Chin Sheng (left) during the 2013 Ramen Big Eater Challenge. Photo from [http://babylingrkm.blogspot.com/2013/11/the-ramen-champion-big-eater-challenge.html HÜBSCH JESS BABY]''.]]
Previously a Human Resource executive, Zermatt’s foray into the competitive eating scene kicked off in 2013 when a gym buddy had egged him on to take up the Roadhouse Terminator Burger Challenge. Zermatt set a record time for the challenge with little to no difficulty. The sense of accomplishment he felt spurred him on to pursue more challenges.<ref>Zermatt Neo. “Vlog #1 | Geylang Serai Ramadan Night Bazaar 2018!”. ''YouTube''. May 25, 2018. Accessed on 31 October 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sJ3SJPVhx88&t=831s</ref><ref>zermattneo. “Zermatt Neo attempting the Roadhouse terminator burger challenge in 2013”. ''Instagram''. March 2, 2013. Accessed on 31 October 2019. Retrieved from:  https://www.instagram.com/p/WWosMysoHl/ </ref>
In November 2013, Zermatt entered the Ramen Champion Big Eater Challenge.<ref>Quek, Eunice. “Eat to win: Competitive eater Zermatt Neo counts calories, eats steamed food and has six-pack abs”. ''The Straits Times''. February 26, 2017. Accessed on 30 October 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.straitstimes.com/lifestyle/food/eat-to-win </ref> Despite his lack of formal training, Zermatt finished in second place, next to Japanese celebrity competitive eater (大食い), Tomoko Miyake who ate 1 gigantic bowl of ramen, 10 regular servings of ramen and 8 plates of gyoza.<ref>“The Ramen Champion Big Eater Challenge Finals 2013 + Food Tasting”. babylingrkm.blogspot.com (blog).November 26, 2013. Accessed on 30 October 2019. Retrieved from: http://babylingrkm.blogspot.com/2013/11/the-ramen-champion-big-eater-challenge.html   </ref>
After the ramen challenge, Zermatt entered the Peperoni Pizzeria XXL Challenge where he emerged the winner, wolfing down a 21-inch pizza in 16 minutes.<ref>“XXL Challenge 2013”. ''Peperoni Pizzeria''. December 17, 2013. Accessed on 30 October 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.peperoni.com.sg/blog?start=70   </ref> Zermatt continued his competitive eating journey — joining various local food-eating competitions before tackling his first international competition in the Philippines where he clinched first place. He had eaten 8 beef bowls (3kg) in 15 minutes.<ref>“YOSHINOYA GYUDON EATING CONTEST 2014 FINAL MATCH”. rochellerivera.com (blog). June 17, 2014. Accessed on 30 October 2019. Retrieved from: http://www.rochellerivera.com/2014/06/yoshinoya-gyudon-eating-contest-2014.html   </ref>
===Workout & diet===
To maintain a lean physique, Zermatt works out 6 to 7 days a week. His workouts typically last around 2 to 3 hours and consists of compound exercises and cardio training.<ref>Zermatt Neo. “Q&A with a Competitive Eater in Singapore!” ''YouTube''. October 28, 2018. Accessed on 31 October 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALivf1RjAHA</ref>
On average, Zermatt covers 2 to 3 food events per week. In between food challenges, he prepares for each event by entering a caloric deficit through fasting for 16 to 18 hours daily. This is a part of his intermittent fasting regime where he only consumes only water and BCAA (Branched-Chain Amino Acids) supplements.<ref>Zermatt Neo. “Q&A with a Competitive Eater in Singapore!” YouTube. October 28, 2018. Accessed on 31 October 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALivf1RjAHA   </ref><ref>“September: Zermatt Neo”. ''BiTES''. August 31, 2015. Accessed on 31 October 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.bites.com.sg/newsbites/september-zermatt-neo/   </ref> His diet includes mostly vegetables and lean protein.<ref>Meah, Natasha. “Personal trainer gets online fame with chicken rice video”. ''The New Paper''. February 3, 2016. 30 October 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.tnp.sg/news/singapore/personal-trainer-gets-online-fame-chicken-rice-video</ref>
==Career highlights==
===Chicken Rice YouTube video (2016)===
[[File:Zermatt Neo chicken rice.jpg|thumb|''Screengrabs from Zermatt's viral 2016 video. Photo from Food League Singapore.'']]
In late 2014, Zermatt Neo began uploading YouTube videos containing snippets of eating challenges and competitions. After joining Food League Singapore (FLS) in 2016, Zermatt became the topic of local news. Zermatt’s YouTube video caught the attention of viewers after a screengrab of the video circulated on SGAG. The video garnered over 76,000 views on YouTube in a week.<ref>Meah, Natasha. “Personal trainer gets online fame with chicken rice video”. ''The New Paper''. February 3, 2016. 30 October 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.tnp.sg/news/singapore/personal-trainer-gets-online-fame-chicken-rice-video </ref>
In the video, Zermatt finished a giant plate of chicken rice (1 entire roast chicken and 12 portions of rice) at a hawker centre in Bukit Batok in slightly under 30 minutes. The Facebook video reposted by FLS was shared over 5,000 times within a few days and covered by local news sites like ''The Straits Times'' and ''MustShareNews''.<ref>Lee, Min Kok. “Singaporean devours 4kg of chicken rice in under 30 minutes for eating competition”. ''The Straits Times''. February 1, 2016. Accessed on 30 October 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/singaporean-devours-4kg-of-chicken-rice-in-under-30-minutes-for-eating-competition </ref><ref>Peh, Min Hui. “Watch: Guy Who Wolfed Down 4kg Of Chicken Rice Devour 5 Other Supersized Foods”. ''Must Share News''. February 2, 2016. Accessed on 30 October 2019. Retrieved from: https://mustsharenews.com/competitive-eater-zermatt/ </ref> Following the well-received feedback from the video, Zermatt continues to post videos of himself eating large amounts of food on YouTube.
===YouTube===
[[File:Zermatt Neo Kway Chap Mukbang.jpg|thumb|''The thumbnail for Zermatt Neo's [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1XJgMsfSDL8 Kway Chap mukbang] on YouTube. Photo from YouTube.'']]
As of November 2019, Zermatt Neo has 111,000 subscribers on YouTube. The videos on Zermatt’s [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZlUAff0s1IbMJlIDrw3TKQ YouTube channel] are of self-initiated food challenges, him eating with friends, menu item features of various food establishments and collaborations with brands such as Eatigo and Grid Mobile.<ref>zermattneo. “Collaboration with Gird Mobile”. ''Instagram''. June 21, 2019. Accessed on 30 October 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.instagram.com/p/By974qtnHKx/ </ref><ref>Zermatt Neo. “Ultimate Pasta Mukbang at Pastamania Singapore!”. August 29, 2018. Accessed on 30 October 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uoeb42cal04  </ref><ref>Zermatt Neo. “Singapore Food Trail - 10,000 Calories Cheat Day Challenge!”. ''YouTube''. February 21, 2019. Accessed on 30 October 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJE5HGW4jq4&t=185s </ref><ref>Zermatt Neo. “200 Piece SUSHI CHALLENGE vs Pro Wrestlers! | Eating with Friends Episode 2”. ''YouTube''. May 11, 2019. Accessed on 30 October 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cj6PnBUOSas </ref><ref>Zermatt Neo. “INSANE CHEAT DAY CHALLENGE ft Sarah Ow | Ultimate Singapore Food Trail!”. ''YouTube''. June 18, 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mAauh5gLZwQ&t=68s </ref>
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Zermatt occasionally features notable competitive eaters on his channel such as Joey Chestnut, Matt Stonie and Randy Santel with whom he has on-screen eating contests.<ref>Zermatt Neo. “100 Gyoza challenge”. ''YouTube''. November 15, 2015. Accessed on 30 October 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNcszpYZ6IY </ref><ref>Matt Stonie. “Peanut Butter & Jelly WORLD RECORD Challenge (1-Minute)”. ''YouTube''. September 27, 2019. Accessed on 25 October 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Ok1SuhPwbY  </ref><ref>Zermatt Neo. “Randy Santel vs Zermatt Neo - Biggest Burger in Singapore!”. ''YouTube''. July 16, 2017. Accessed on 30 October 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ORIaBw7h49Q </ref><ref>Zermatt Neo. “Satay Challenge Feat. Joey Chestnut”. ''YouTube''. November 20, 2016. Accessed on 30 October 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4f6dGNmVL6A </ref> In 2016, Zermatt was featured as a guest star on The Smart Local's "Singaporean's Try" segment.<div style="display:flex; justify-content:space-around; flex-wrap: wrap;"></div>
===Food competitions & challenges===
[[File:Zermatt Neo 2017 FLC Championship.jpg|thumb|''Zermatt Neo won the 2017 FLS Competitive Eating Championship. Photo from The Straits Times''.]]
[[File:Zermatt Neo 2017 FLC Championship.jpg|thumb|''Zermatt Neo won the 2017 FLS Competitive Eating Championship. Photo from The Straits Times''.]]
[[File:Zermatt Neo Yoshinoya 2014.jpg|thumb|''Zermatt Neo winning the 2014 Yoshinoya Gyudon eating contest. Photo from [http://www.rochellerivera.com/2014/06/yoshinoya-gyudon-eating-contest-2014.html Rochelle Rivera]''.]]
Previously a Human Resource executive, Zermatt’s foray into the competitive eating scene kicked off in 2013 when a gym buddy had egged him on to take up the Roadhouse Terminator Burger Challenge. Zermatt set a record time for the challenge with little to no difficulty. The sense of accomplishment he felt spurred him on to pursue more challenges.<ref>Zermatt Neo. “[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sJ3SJPVhx88&t=831s Vlog #1 | Geylang Serai Ramadan Night Bazaar 2018!]”. ''YouTube''. May 25, 2018. Accessed on 31 October 2019.</ref><ref>zermattneo. “[https://www.instagram.com/p/WWosMysoHl/ Zermatt Neo attempting the Roadhouse terminator burger challenge in 2013]”. ''Instagram''. March 2, 2013. Accessed on 31 October 2019. </ref>
====Early competitions (2013 - 2014)====
In November 2013, Zermatt entered the Ramen Champion Big Eater Challenge.<ref name=":3">Quek, Eunice. “[https://www.straitstimes.com/lifestyle/food/eat-to-win Eat to win: Competitive eater Zermatt Neo counts calories, eats steamed food and has six-pack abs]”. ''The Straits Times''. February 26, 2017. Accessed on 30 October 2019. </ref> Despite his lack of formal training, Zermatt finished in second place, next to the Japanese celebrity competitive eater (大食い), Tomoko Miyake who ate 1 extra-large bowl of ramen, 10 regular servings of ramen and 8 plates of gyoza.<ref name=":4">“[http://babylingrkm.blogspot.com/2013/11/the-ramen-champion-big-eater-challenge.html The Ramen Champion Big Eater Challenge Finals 2013 + Food Tasting]”. ''babylingrkm.blogspot.com''. November 26, 2013. Accessed on 30 October 2019. </ref> After the ramen challenge, Zermatt entered the Peperoni Pizzeria XXL Challenge where he emerged the winner after consuming a 21-inch pizza in 16 minutes.<ref>“[https://www.peperoni.com.sg/blog?start=70 XXL Challenge 2013]”. ''Peperoni Pizzeria''. December 17, 2013. Accessed on 30 October 2019. </ref> Zermatt continued his competitive eating journey — joining various local food-eating competitions before clinching first place at his first international competition in the Philippines. He had eaten 8 beef bowls in 15 minutes.<ref name=":5">“[http://www.rochellerivera.com/2014/06/yoshinoya-gyudon-eating-contest-2014.html YOSHINOYA GYUDON EATING CONTEST 2014 FINAL MATCH]”. ''rochellerivera.com''. June 17, 2014. Accessed on 30 October 2019. </ref>
==Competitive eating==
[[File:Zermatt Neo Yoshinoya 2014.jpg|thumb|''Zermatt Neo winning the 2014 Yoshinoya Gyudon eating contest. Photo from [http://www.rochellerivera.com/2014/06/yoshinoya-gyudon-eating-contest-2014.html Rochelle Rivera]''.]]In 2016, Zermatt Neo entered the Singapore Book of Records on three occasions when he was the fastest eater of Sushi Maki, hotdogs and a 3.5kg cake.<ref>zermattneo. “Singapore book of records - fastest eating of sushi maki”. ''Instagram''. August 6, 2016. Accessed on 30 October 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.instagram.com/p/BIxRpfGjyvz/ </ref><ref>“[https://singaporerecords.com/fastest-eating-of-hotdogs-in-10-mins/ Fastest Eating of Hotdogs in 10mins]”. ''Singapore Book Of Records''. Accessed on 29 October 2019. </ref><ref>“[https://singaporerecords.com/fastest-eating-of-a-3-5-kg-cake/ Fastest Eating of a 3.5kg Cake]”. ''Singapore Book Of Records''. Accessed on 29 October 2019. </ref> He has won the following food challenges over the years.
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
!Year
!Year
Line 65: Line 30:
|Fries (2kg)
|Fries (2kg)
|00:07:05:00
|00:07:05:00
|Winner
| rowspan="3" |Winner
| -
| -
|<ref>Food League Sg. “Martin Zwerts SG Fries EAting Contest”. ''Facebook''. May 30, 2019. Accessed on 30 October 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.facebook.com/pg/foodleague/posts/?ref=page_internal   </ref>
|<ref>Food League Sg. “[https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=342467899770815 Martin Zwerts SG Fries Eating Contest 2019 Contest Highlights!]”. ''Facebook''. May 30, 2019. Accessed on 30 October 2019. </ref>
|-
|2019
|200 Gyoza Challenge
|200 pieces of Gyoza
|00:06:49:02
|<nowiki>-</nowiki>
| -
|<ref>Zermatt Neo. “200 GYOZA in 6 MINS?! Japanese Dumplings Eating Challenge!”. ''YouTube''. August 25, 2018. Accessed on 29 October 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cIeuCznCaJM </ref>
|-
|-
|2017
|2017
Line 81: Line 38:
|92 pieces of chicken wings (1.37kg)
|92 pieces of chicken wings (1.37kg)
|00:08:00:00
|00:08:00:00
|Winner
|Wing Zone Bronze Ticket (3 months worth of chicken wings)
|Wing Zone Bronze Ticket (3 months worth of chicken wings)
|<ref>Wing Zone Singapore. “FLS Competitive Eating Championship 2017”. ''Facebook''. January 7, 2017. Accessed on 30 October 2019. Retrieved from:  https://www.facebook.com/WingZoneSingapore/photos/a.224232237743812/757056754461355/?type=3&theater </ref><ref>Zaccheus, Melody. “Food League contestant eats 92 wings in 8min”. ''The Straits Times''. January 8, 2017. Accessed on  30 October 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/food-league-contestant-eats-92-wings-in-8min </ref><ref>Food League SG. “FLS Championship Pro League. Zermatt Neo, Sarah Ow and more!”. ''Facebook''. January 7, 2017. Accessed on 29 October 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.facebook.com/foodleague/videos/1371964999543232/ </ref><ref>“FLS Competitive Eating Championship 2017”. ''Facebook''. Accessed on 4 November 2019. Retrieved from <nowiki>https://www.facebook.com/events/wing-zone-buangkok/fls-competitive-eating-championship-2017/1210093319069825/</nowiki> </ref>
|<ref>Wing Zone Singapore. “[https://www.facebook.com/WingZoneSingapore/photos/a.224232237743812/757056754461355/?type=3&theater 92 chicken wings in 8 minutes]”. ''Facebook''. January 7, 2017. Accessed on 30 October 2019. </ref><ref>Zaccheus, Melody. “[https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/food-league-contestant-eats-92-wings-in-8min Food League contestant eats 92 wings in 8min]”. ''The Straits Times''. January 8, 2017. Accessed on  30 October 2019. </ref>
|-
|-
|2016
| rowspan="5" |2016
|Herbs Bistro Food War Challenge
|Herbs Bistro Food War Challenge
|3kg worth of waffles, pancakes, curry beef stew, sides and gelato
|3kg worth of waffles, pancakes, curry beef stew, sides and gelato
|00:10:11:00
|00:10:11:00
|Winner
|S$1,600 Scoot vouchers
|S$1,600 Scoot vouchers
|<ref>Ice Edge Cafe & Bar. “Winner for Herbs Bistro’s Food War Challenge”. ''Facebook''. December 31, 2016. Accessed on 30 October 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.facebook.com/iceedgecafebar/posts/1494345887250223?__tn__=-R </ref><ref>Eatbook. “Herbs Bistro FREE-TO-JOIN Eating Contest”. ''Facebook''. December 13, 2016. Accessed on 4 November 2019. Retrieved from  <nowiki>https://www.facebook.com/eatbooksg/videos/vb.871845996197152/1216356895079392/?type=2&theater</nowiki>  </ref>
|<ref>Eatbook. “[https://www.facebook.com/eatbooksg/videos/vb.871845996197152/1216356895079392/?type=2&theater Herbs Bistro FREE-TO-JOIN Eating Contest]”. ''Facebook''. December 13, 2016. Accessed on 4 November 2019.</ref>
|-
|-
|2016
|The Red House Challenge 2016
|The Red House Challenge 2016
|48 Red House chilli crab baos
|48 Red House chilli crab baos
Line 99: Line 53:
|3rd Place
|3rd Place
|S$888 and S$200 Red House Seafood Dining Voucher
|S$888 and S$200 Red House Seafood Dining Voucher
|<ref>Kimbrell, Erin. “Could you eat 60 Chilli Crab Baos in eight minutes?”. ''Yahoo''. August 28, 2016. Accessed on 30 October 2019. Retrieved from: https://sg.style.yahoo.com/photos-could-eat-60-chilli-032802378/photo-freelance-photographer-ng-chin-sheng-1472354921281.html </ref><ref>“Chilli Crab Bao Eating Competition : Red House Seafood”. ''nookmag.com''. August 3, 2016. Accessed on 30 October 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.nookmag.com/chilli-crab-bao-eating-competition-red-house-seafood/ </ref>
|<ref>Kimbrell, Erin. “[https://sg.style.yahoo.com/photos-could-eat-60-chilli-032802378/photo-freelance-photographer-ng-chin-sheng-1472354921281.html Could you eat 60 Chilli Crab Baos in eight minutes?]”. ''Yahoo''. August 28, 2016. Accessed on 30 October 2019. </ref><ref>“[https://www.nookmag.com/chilli-crab-bao-eating-competition-red-house-seafood/ Chilli Crab Bao Eating Competition : Red House Seafood]”. ''nookmag.com''. August 3, 2016. Accessed on 30 October 2019. </ref>
|-
|2016
|Epic Eaters 2016
|8 maki-rolls (makisan, 1840g)
|00:06:14:14
|Entered Singapore Book of Records [Fastest eating of Sushi Maki]
| -
|<ref>Food LEague SG. “Epic Eaters 2016”. ''Facebook''. August 7, 2016. Accessed on 29 October 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.facebook.com/foodleague/videos/1173647209375013/ </ref><ref>zermattneo. “Singapore book of records - fastest eating of sushi maki”. ''Instagram''. August 6, 2016. Accessed on 30 October 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.instagram.com/p/BIxRpfGjyvz/ </ref>
|-
|2016
|Orchard Mandarin Hotel Hot Dog bun eating competition
|20 hot dogs
|00:10:00:00
|Entered Singapore Book of Records [Fastest eating of hotdogs in 10mins]
| -
|<ref>“Fastest Eating of Hotdogs in 10mins”. ''Singapore Book Of Records''. Accessed on 29 October 2019. Retrieved from: https://singaporerecords.com/fastest-eating-of-hotdogs-in-10-mins/ </ref>
|-
|-
|2016
|Guest appearance on TV programme, ‘The Not 5 Show’ (Channel 5)
|3.5kg cake
|00:37:18:00
|Entered Singapore Book of records [Fastest eating of a 3.5kg cake]
| -
|<ref>“Fastest Eating of a 3.5kg Cake”. ''Singapore Book Of Records''. Accessed on 29 October 2019. Retrieved from: https://singaporerecords.com/fastest-eating-of-a-3-5-kg-cake/ </ref>
|-
|2016
|CSC Hot Dog Eating Competition
|18 hotdogs
|00:10:00:00
|Guest appearance
| -
|<ref>“Fastest Eating of a 3.5kg Cake”. ''Singapore Book Of Records''. Accessed on 29 October 2019. Retrieved from: https://singaporerecords.com/fastest-eating-of-a-3-5-kg-cake/ </ref>
|-
|2016
|Xiang Ji Mega Chicken Rice Season  1
|Xiang Ji Mega Chicken Rice Season  1
|Chicken rice (4kg - inclusive of plate weight, 12 portions of rice and 1 whole roast chicken)
|Chicken rice (4kg - inclusive of plate weight, 12 portions of rice and 1 whole roast chicken)
|00:25:13:00
|00:25:13:00
|1st Place
| rowspan="2" |Winner
| -
| -
|<ref>Food League Singapore. “Food League Singapore ( Singapore Official Eater’s Record)”. ''Facebook''. February 27, 2016. Accessed on 29 October 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.facebook.com/notes/food-league-sg/food-league-singapore-singapore-official-eaters-record/1043375132402222/ </ref><ref>“Xiang Ji Mega Chicken Rice Season  1”. ''Food League Singapore (blog)''. April 7, 2016. Accessed on 29 October 2019. Retrieved from: http://foodleaguesg.blogspot.com/2016/04/ </ref>
|<ref name=":8">Food League Singapore. “[https://www.facebook.com/notes/food-league-sg/food-league-singapore-singapore-official-eaters-record/1043375132402222/ Food League Singapore (Singapore Official Eater’s Record)]”. ''Facebook''. February 27, 2016. Accessed on 29 October 2019. </ref><ref>“[http://foodleaguesg.blogspot.com/2016/04/ Xiang Ji Mega Chicken Rice Season 1]”. ''Food League Singapore (blog)''. April 7, 2016. Accessed on 29 October 2019. </ref>
|-
|-
|2016
|Xiang Ji Mega Chicken Rice Challenge
|Chicken rice (4kg - inclusive of plate weight, 12 portions of rice and 1 whole roast chicken)
|00:29:11:00
| -
| -
|<ref>Zermatt Neo. “3KG CHICKEN RICE”. ''YouTube''. January 29, 2016. Accessed on 29 October 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=u6rOJxLR1Sc </ref><ref>“Xiang Ji Mega Chicken Rice Challenge” ''Food League Singapore''. January 13, 2016. Accessed on 29 October 2019. Retrieved from:  http://foodleaguesg.blogspot.com/2016/01/xiang-ji-mega-chicken-rice-challenge.html </ref>
|-
|2016
|80 Mad Eaters Challenge (80 狂吃大胃王）
|80 Mad Eaters Challenge (80 狂吃大胃王）
|<nowiki>-</nowiki>
|<nowiki>-</nowiki>
|01:30:00:00
|01:30:00:00
|Winner
|S$1,000 cash prize
|S$1,000 cash prize
|<ref>zermattneo. “80 Mad Eaters Challenge winner”. ''Instagram''. July 23, 2016. Accessed on 30 October 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.instagram.com/p/BINF8skDNQG/ </ref><ref>“80 Mad Eaters Challenge”. ''Waterway Point''. Accessed on 4 November 2019. Retrieved from:  https://www.waterwaypoint.com.sg/event_detail.php?c=582&desc=Events+Calendar&p=28447&t=80-mad-eaters-challenge </ref>
|<ref>zermattneo. “[https://www.instagram.com/p/BINF8skDNQG/ Win! First time doing a 90mins contest though]”. ''Instagram''. July 23, 2016. Accessed on 30 October 2019. </ref><ref>“[https://www.waterwaypoint.com.sg/event_detail.php?c=582&desc=Events+Calendar&p=28447&t=80-mad-eaters-challenge 80 Mad Eaters Challenge]”. ''Waterway Point''. Accessed on 4 November 2019. </ref>
|-
|-
|2016
|Ah hood Burger Eating Contest 2016
|Ah hood Burger Eating Contest 2016
|15 burgers (lotus-leaf buns stuffed with Asian-styled meats)
|15 burgers (lotus-leaf buns stuffed with Asian-styled meats)
Line 163: Line 73:
|3rd place
|3rd place
| -
| -
|<ref>Food League Singapore. “Food League Singapore ( Singapore Official Eater’s Record)”. ''Facebook''. February 27, 2016. Accessed on 29 October 2019. Retrieved from:  https://www.facebook.com/notes/food-league-sg/food-league-singapore-singapore-official-eaters-record/1043375132402222/ </ref>
|<ref name=":8" />
|-
|-
|2015
|2015
Line 169: Line 79:
|25.5 burgers (lotus-leaf buns stuffed with Asian-styled meats)
|25.5 burgers (lotus-leaf buns stuffed with Asian-styled meats)
|00:10:00:00
|00:10:00:00
|Winner
| rowspan="6" |Winner
|S$300 dining credits (Flavours At Zhongshan Park)
|S$300 dining credits (Flavours At Zhongshan Park)
|<ref>Zermatt Neo. “Ah Hood Burger Eating Contest 2015”. ''YouTube''. December 1, 2015. Accessed on 30 October 2019. Retrieved from:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JfqcYfMMEU </ref><ref>“Ah Hood Burger Challenge”. ''Eventnook.com''. Accessed on 30 October 2019. Retrieved from:  http://www.eventnook.com/event/ahhoodburgerchallenge2015 </ref>
|<ref>Zermatt Neo. “[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JfqcYfMMEU Ah Hood Burger Eating Contest 2015]”. ''YouTube''. December 1, 2015. Accessed on 30 October 2019. </ref>
|-
|-
|2014
| rowspan="4" |2014
|Thaitanic Boat Noodle Record Breaker Challenge
|Thaitanic Boat Noodle Record Breaker Challenge
|85 Boat Noodles
|85 bowls of boat noodles
|00:30:00:00
|00:30:00:00
|Winner
| -
| -
|<ref>Oishi News Station. “The Mission Project ปฏิบัติการณ์ มันส์ ดัน เกิด : มหกรรมการแข่งกินชาบูชิ Shabulympic 2015 Ep.4”. ''YouTube''. July 18, 2015. Accessed on 30 October 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZUzXQwtW3U </ref><ref>Zermattneo. “3rd place in shabulympic 2015”. ''Instagram''. July 20, 2015. Accessed on 30 October 0219. Retrieved from: https://www.instagram.com/p/5U1hIBsoPM/  </ref>
|<ref>Oishi News Station. “[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZUzXQwtW3U The Mission Project ปฏิบัติการณ์ มันส์ ดัน เกิด : มหกรรมการแข่งกินชาบูชิ Shabulympic 2015 Ep.4]”. ''YouTube''. July 18, 2015. Accessed on 30 October 2019. </ref><ref>Zermattneo. “[https://www.instagram.com/p/5U1hIBsoPM/ Sadly I didn't came in first. (Took 3rd place $2000 bucks.)]”. ''Instagram''. July 20, 2015. Accessed on 30 October 2019.</ref>
|-
|-
|2014
|Yoshinoya Gyudon Eating Contest 2014
|Yoshinoya Gyudon Eating Contest 2014
|8 Yoshinoya Gyudon (beef bowls, 375g each)
|8 Yoshinoya Gyudon (beef bowls, 375g each)
|00:15:00:00
|00:15:00:00
|Winner
<br />
|₱150,000 & a round trip to Japan
|₱150,000 & a round trip to Japan
|<ref>Lee, Min Kok. “Singaporean devours 4kg of chicken rice in under 30 minutes for eating competition”. ''The Straits Times''. February 1, 2016. Accessed on 30 October 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/singaporean-devours-4kg-of-chicken-rice-in-under-30-minutes-for-eating-competition </ref><ref>“YOSHINOYA GYUDON EATING CONTEST 2014 FINAL MATCH”. ''rochellerivera.com (blog)''. June 17, 2014. Accessed on 30 October 2019. Retrieved from: http://www.rochellerivera.com/2014/06/yoshinoya-gyudon-eating-contest-2014.html </ref>
|<ref name=":5" />
|-
|-
|2014
|The Lucha Loco Taco Challenge
|The Lucha Loco Taco Challenge
|19 Tacos
|19 Tacos
|00:10:00:00
|00:10:00:00
|Winner
|Lucha Loca dining vouchers
|Lucha Loca dining vouchers
|<ref>Lee, Min Kok. “Singaporean devours 4kg of chicken rice in under 30 minutes for eating competition”. ''The Straits Times''. February 1, 2016. Accessed on 30 October 2019. Retrieved from:  https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/singaporean-devours-4kg-of-chicken-rice-in-under-30-minutes-for-eating-competition   </ref>
|<ref name=":9">Lee, Min Kok. “[https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/singaporean-devours-4kg-of-chicken-rice-in-under-30-minutes-for-eating-competition Singaporean devours 4kg of chicken rice in under 30 minutes for eating competition]”. ''The Straits Times''. February 1, 2016. Accessed on 30 October 2019. </ref>
|-
|-
|2014
|Salad Chowdown Grand Finals
|Salad Chowdown Grand Finals
|<nowiki>-</nowiki>
|<nowiki>-</nowiki>
|<nowiki>-</nowiki>
|<nowiki>-</nowiki>
|Winner
|S$500
|S$500
|<ref>zermattneo. “Salad chowdown champion”. ''Instagram''. September 28, 2014. Accessed on 30 October 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.instagram.com/p/te2WU3MoPJ/ </ref>
|<ref>zermattneo. “[https://www.instagram.com/p/te2WU3MoPJ/ Definitely my healthiest eating contest ever]”. ''Instagram''. September 28, 2014. Accessed on 30 October 2019. </ref>
|-
|-
|2014
| rowspan="2" |2013
|Peperoni Pizzeria XXL Challenge
|21-inch pizza
|<nowiki>-</nowiki>
|Winner
| -
|<ref>Peperoni Pizzeria. “XXL Challenge 2014”. ''Facebook''. December 7, 2014. Accessed on 30 October 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/ppxxlchallenge?source=feed_text&epa=HASHTAG&__tn__=*NK-R </ref>
|-
|2013
|Peperoni Pizzeria XXL Challenge
|Peperoni Pizzeria XXL Challenge
|21-inch pizza
|21-inch pizza
|00:16:06:00
|00:16:06:00
|Winner
|S$500 Peperoni cash vouchers
|S$500 Peperoni cash vouchers
|<ref>“XXL Challenge 2013”. ''Peperoni Pizzeria''. December 17, 2013. Accessed on 30 October 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.peperoni.com.sg/blog?start=70 </ref>
|<ref>“[https://www.peperoni.com.sg/blog?start=70 XXL Challenge 2013]”. ''Peperoni Pizzeria''. December 17, 2013. Accessed on 30 October 2019. </ref>
|-
|-
|2013
|Ramen Champion Big Eater Challenge
|Ramen Champion Big Eater Challenge
|1 gigantic bowl of ramen — equivalent to 10 regular bowls
|1 gigantic bowl of ramen — equivalent to 10 regular bowls
|00:20:00:00
|00:20:00:00
(Estimated)
(Estimated)
|2nd place
|2nd place
| -
| -
|<ref>Quek, Eunice. “Eat to win: Competitive eater Zermatt Neo counts calories, eats steamed food and has six-pack abs”. ''The Straits Times''. Accessed on February 26, 2017. Accessed on 30 October 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.straitstimes.com/lifestyle/food/eat-to-win </ref><ref>“The Ramen Champion Big Eater Challenge Finals 2013 + Food Tasting”. ''babylingrkm.blogspot.com (blog)''.November 26, 2013. Accessed on 30 October 2019. Retrieved from: http://babylingrkm.blogspot.com/2013/11/the-ramen-champion-big-eater-challenge.html </ref>
|<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":4" />
|}
|}
 
==YouTube==
In late 2014, Zermatt Neo began uploading YouTube videos containing snippets of eating challenges and competitions. After joining Food League Singapore (FLS) in 2016, Zermatt became the topic of local news. Zermatt’s YouTube video caught the attention of viewers after a screengrab of the video circulated on SGAG.
===Content creator===
[[File:Zermatt Neo Kway Chap Mukbang.jpg|thumb|''The thumbnail for Zermatt Neo's [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1XJgMsfSDL8 Kway Chap mukbang] on YouTube. Photo from YouTube.'']]As of October 2020, Zermatt Neo has 200,000 subscribers on YouTube. The videos on Zermatt’s [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZlUAff0s1IbMJlIDrw3TKQ YouTube channel] are of self-initiated food challenges,<ref>Zermatt Neo. “[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJE5HGW4jq4&t=185s Singapore Food Trail - 10,000 Calories Cheat Day Challenge!]”. ''YouTube''. February 21, 2019. Accessed on 30 October 2019. </ref><ref>Zermatt Neo. “[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cj6PnBUOSas 200 Piece SUSHI CHALLENGE vs Pro Wrestlers! | Eating with Friends Episode 2]”. ''YouTube''. May 11, 2019. Accessed on 30 October 2019. </ref><ref>Zermatt Neo. “[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mAauh5gLZwQ&t=68s INSANE CHEAT DAY CHALLENGE ft Sarah Ow | Ultimate Singapore Food Trail!]”. ''YouTube''. June 18, 2019. </ref> menu item features of various food establishments<ref>Zermatt Neo. “[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uoeb42cal04 Ultimate Pasta Mukbang at Pastamania Singapore!]”. August 29, 2018. Accessed on 30 October 2019.</ref> and collaborations with brands such as Eatigo and Grid Mobile.<ref>zermattneo. “[https://www.instagram.com/p/By974qtnHKx/ Collaboration with Gird Mobile]”. ''Instagram''. June 21, 2019. Accessed on 30 October 2019. </ref> Zermatt occasionally features notable competitive eaters on his channel such as Joey Chestnut,<ref>Zermatt Neo. “[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4f6dGNmVL6A Satay Challenge Feat. Joey Chestnut]”. ''YouTube''. November 20, 2016. Accessed on 30 October 2019. </ref> Matt Stonie<ref>Matt Stonie. “[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Ok1SuhPwbY Peanut Butter & Jelly WORLD RECORD Challenge (1-Minute)]”. ''YouTube''. September 27, 2019. Accessed on 25 October 2019.</ref> and Randy Santel<ref>Zermatt Neo. “[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ORIaBw7h49Q Randy Santel vs Zermatt Neo - Biggest Burger in Singapore!]”. ''YouTube''. July 16, 2017. Accessed on 30 October 2019. </ref> with whom he has on-screen eating contests.
====Viral chicken rice video (2016)====
[[File:Zermatt Neo chicken rice.jpg|thumb|''Screengrabs from Zermatt's viral 2016 video.'']]In the viral video, Zermatt finished a giant plate of chicken rice (1 entire roast chicken and 12 portions of rice) at a hawker centre in Bukit Batok in slightly under 30 minutes. The video garnered over 76,000 views on YouTube in a week.<ref name=":2" /> The Facebook video reposted by Food League Singapore (FLS) was shared over 5,000 times within a few days and covered by local publications like ''The Straits Times'' and ''MustShareNews''.<ref name=":9" /><ref>Peh, Min Hui. “[https://mustsharenews.com/competitive-eater-zermatt/ Watch: Guy Who Wolfed Down 4kg Of Chicken Rice Devour 5 Other Supersized Foods]”. ''Must Share News''. February 2, 2016. Accessed on 30 October 2019. </ref> Following the well-received feedback from the video, Zermatt continues to post videos of himself eating large amounts of food on YouTube. That same year, he was also featured guest on [[TheSmartLocal (TSL) Media Group|TheSmartLocal]]'s YouTube channel. <div style="display:flex; justify-content:space-around; flex-wrap: wrap;">
<div><youtube><nowiki>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZRfWDz03nHw</nowiki></youtube>''Zermatt's guest feature on TheSmartLocal's "Singaporean's Try" segment in 2016.''
</div>
</div>
==References / Citations==
==References / Citations==
[[Category:People of Interest]]
[[Category:People of Interest]]
<references />
<references />

Latest revision as of 17:35, 10 May 2022

Zermatt Neo
Zermatt Neo.jpg
Born24 December 1987
EducationDegree in Nutrition
Alma materUniversity of Wollongong

Zermatt Neo (born 24 December 1987) is a Singaporean competitive eater and YouTube personality. He is well-known in the competitive eating scene having won the 2017 Food League Singapore Competitive Eating Championship where he finished 92 pieces of chicken wings in 8 minutes.[1] As of 2019, Zermatt competes under Food League Singapore (FLS) - a food event organiser and talent management organisation.[2]

Background

Zermatt Neo is a full-time competitive eater.[3] Zermatt has shared that he can stomach an average of 5 kilograms worth of food in one sitting but has a low spice and alcohol tolerance.[3][4] He holds a degree in Nutrition from the University of Wollongong and is a Certified Personal Trainer.[5]

Personal life

Born on 24 December 1987, Zermatt Neo’s first name was inspired by his aunt’s jigsaw puzzle set that featured the Swiss municipality, Zermatt.[6][7] Zermatt is the youngest of two siblings. His sister, Peggie Neo, is a YouTube personality who mainly posts mukbang videos.[8] Zermatt Neo is also related to Raina Huang, who is a competitive eater based in Southern California.[9]

Workout & diet

To maintain a lean physique, Zermatt works out 6 to 7 days a week. His workouts typically last around 2 to 3 hours and consists of compound exercises and cardio training.[3] On average, Zermatt covers 2 to 3 food events per week. In between food challenges, he prepares for each event by entering a caloric deficit through fasting for 16 to 18 hours daily.[3] This is a part of his intermittent fasting regime where he only consumes only water and BCAA (Branched-Chain Amino Acids) supplements.[6] His diet consists of mostly vegetables and lean protein.[10]

Competitive eating

Zermatt Neo won the 2017 FLS Competitive Eating Championship. Photo from The Straits Times.

Previously a Human Resource executive, Zermatt’s foray into the competitive eating scene kicked off in 2013 when a gym buddy had egged him on to take up the Roadhouse Terminator Burger Challenge. Zermatt set a record time for the challenge with little to no difficulty. The sense of accomplishment he felt spurred him on to pursue more challenges.[11][12]

Early competitions (2013 - 2014)

In November 2013, Zermatt entered the Ramen Champion Big Eater Challenge.[13] Despite his lack of formal training, Zermatt finished in second place, next to the Japanese celebrity competitive eater (大食い), Tomoko Miyake who ate 1 extra-large bowl of ramen, 10 regular servings of ramen and 8 plates of gyoza.[14] After the ramen challenge, Zermatt entered the Peperoni Pizzeria XXL Challenge where he emerged the winner after consuming a 21-inch pizza in 16 minutes.[15] Zermatt continued his competitive eating journey — joining various local food-eating competitions before clinching first place at his first international competition in the Philippines. He had eaten 8 beef bowls in 15 minutes.[16]

Competitive eating

Zermatt Neo winning the 2014 Yoshinoya Gyudon eating contest. Photo from Rochelle Rivera.

In 2016, Zermatt Neo entered the Singapore Book of Records on three occasions when he was the fastest eater of Sushi Maki, hotdogs and a 3.5kg cake.[17][18][19] He has won the following food challenges over the years.

Year Event Food Item Timing Notes Prize(s) Refs.
2019 King’s Day Fries Eating Contest (Pro League) Fries (2kg) 00:07:05:00 Winner - [20]
2017 Food League Singapore (FLS) Competitive Eating Championship 92 pieces of chicken wings (1.37kg) 00:08:00:00 Wing Zone Bronze Ticket (3 months worth of chicken wings) [21][22]
2016 Herbs Bistro Food War Challenge 3kg worth of waffles, pancakes, curry beef stew, sides and gelato 00:10:11:00 S$1,600 Scoot vouchers [23]
The Red House Challenge 2016 48 Red House chilli crab baos 00:08:00:00 3rd Place S$888 and S$200 Red House Seafood Dining Voucher [24][25]
Xiang Ji Mega Chicken Rice Season  1 Chicken rice (4kg - inclusive of plate weight, 12 portions of rice and 1 whole roast chicken) 00:25:13:00 Winner - [26][27]
80 Mad Eaters Challenge (80 狂吃大胃王） - 01:30:00:00 S$1,000 cash prize [28][29]
Ah hood Burger Eating Contest 2016 15 burgers (lotus-leaf buns stuffed with Asian-styled meats) 00:10:00:00 3rd place - [26]
2015 Ah hood Burger Eating Contest 2015 25.5 burgers (lotus-leaf buns stuffed with Asian-styled meats) 00:10:00:00 Winner S$300 dining credits (Flavours At Zhongshan Park) [30]
2014 Thaitanic Boat Noodle Record Breaker Challenge 85 bowls of boat noodles 00:30:00:00 - [31][32]
Yoshinoya Gyudon Eating Contest 2014 8 Yoshinoya Gyudon (beef bowls, 375g each) 00:15:00:00 ₱150,000 & a round trip to Japan [16]
The Lucha Loco Taco Challenge 19 Tacos 00:10:00:00 Lucha Loca dining vouchers [33]
Salad Chowdown Grand Finals - - S$500 [34]
2013 Peperoni Pizzeria XXL Challenge 21-inch pizza 00:16:06:00 S$500 Peperoni cash vouchers [35]
Ramen Champion Big Eater Challenge 1 gigantic bowl of ramen — equivalent to 10 regular bowls 00:20:00:00

(Estimated)

2nd place - [13][14]

YouTube

In late 2014, Zermatt Neo began uploading YouTube videos containing snippets of eating challenges and competitions. After joining Food League Singapore (FLS) in 2016, Zermatt became the topic of local news. Zermatt’s YouTube video caught the attention of viewers after a screengrab of the video circulated on SGAG.

Content creator

The thumbnail for Zermatt Neo's Kway Chap mukbang on YouTube. Photo from YouTube.

As of October 2020, Zermatt Neo has 200,000 subscribers on YouTube. The videos on Zermatt’s YouTube channel are of self-initiated food challenges,[36][37][38] menu item features of various food establishments[39] and collaborations with brands such as Eatigo and Grid Mobile.[40] Zermatt occasionally features notable competitive eaters on his channel such as Joey Chestnut,[41] Matt Stonie[42] and Randy Santel[43] with whom he has on-screen eating contests.

Viral chicken rice video (2016)

Screengrabs from Zermatt's viral 2016 video.

In the viral video, Zermatt finished a giant plate of chicken rice (1 entire roast chicken and 12 portions of rice) at a hawker centre in Bukit Batok in slightly under 30 minutes. The video garnered over 76,000 views on YouTube in a week.[10] The Facebook video reposted by Food League Singapore (FLS) was shared over 5,000 times within a few days and covered by local publications like The Straits Times and MustShareNews.[33][44] Following the well-received feedback from the video, Zermatt continues to post videos of himself eating large amounts of food on YouTube. That same year, he was also featured guest on TheSmartLocal's YouTube channel.

Zermatt's guest feature on TheSmartLocal's "Singaporean's Try" segment in 2016.

References / Citations

  1. ↑ Zaccheus, Melody. “Food League contestant eats 92 wings in 8min”. The Straits Times. January 8, 2017. Accessed on 30 October 2019.
  2. ↑ “Zermatt Neo”. Linkedin. Accessed on 30 October 2019.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 Zermatt Neo. “Q&A with a Competitive Eater in Singapore!”. YouTube. October 28, 2018. Accessed on 31 October 2019.
  4. ↑ Toh, Hannah. “Competitive eater Zermatt Neo is Singapore's up-and-coming mukbang star”. Youth.sg. December 10, 2018. Accessed on 31 October 2019.
  5. ↑ zermattneo. “Didn't expect it to come this fast but yeah, I'm certified”. Instagram. October 5, 2013. Accessed on 30 October 2019.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 “September: Zermatt Neo”. BiTES. August 31, 2015. Accessed on 31 October 2019.
  7. ↑ “Zermatt Neo”. FoodChallenges.com. Accessed on 31 October 2019.
  8. ↑ Peggie Neo. "With Singapore's No. 1 Competitive Eater, aka the brother Zermatt Neo 😂😂😂". Facebook. September 28, 2017. Accessed on 13 October 2020.
  9. ↑ Raìna. “I'm going to Taiwan in October and tour with my cousin Zermatt Neo andRandy Santel will also be there!! stay tuned for details!”. Facebook. September 29, 2019. Accessed on 31 October 2019.
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 Meah, Natasha. “Personal trainer gets online fame with chicken rice video”. The New Paper. February 3, 2016. Accessed on 30 October 2019.
  11. ↑ Zermatt Neo. “Vlog #1 | Geylang Serai Ramadan Night Bazaar 2018!”. YouTube. May 25, 2018. Accessed on 31 October 2019.
  12. ↑ zermattneo. “Zermatt Neo attempting the Roadhouse terminator burger challenge in 2013”. Instagram. March 2, 2013. Accessed on 31 October 2019.
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 Quek, Eunice. “Eat to win: Competitive eater Zermatt Neo counts calories, eats steamed food and has six-pack abs”. The Straits Times. February 26, 2017. Accessed on 30 October 2019.
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 “The Ramen Champion Big Eater Challenge Finals 2013 + Food Tasting”. babylingrkm.blogspot.com. November 26, 2013. Accessed on 30 October 2019.
  15. ↑ “XXL Challenge 2013”. Peperoni Pizzeria. December 17, 2013. Accessed on 30 October 2019.
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 “YOSHINOYA GYUDON EATING CONTEST 2014 FINAL MATCH”. rochellerivera.com. June 17, 2014. Accessed on 30 October 2019.
  17. ↑ zermattneo. “Singapore book of records - fastest eating of sushi maki”. Instagram. August 6, 2016. Accessed on 30 October 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.instagram.com/p/BIxRpfGjyvz/
  18. ↑ “Fastest Eating of Hotdogs in 10mins”. Singapore Book Of Records. Accessed on 29 October 2019.
  19. ↑ “Fastest Eating of a 3.5kg Cake”. Singapore Book Of Records. Accessed on 29 October 2019.
  20. ↑ Food League Sg. “Martin Zwerts SG Fries Eating Contest 2019 Contest Highlights!”. Facebook. May 30, 2019. Accessed on 30 October 2019.
  21. ↑ Wing Zone Singapore. “92 chicken wings in 8 minutes”. Facebook. January 7, 2017. Accessed on 30 October 2019.
  22. ↑ Zaccheus, Melody. “Food League contestant eats 92 wings in 8min”. The Straits Times. January 8, 2017. Accessed on  30 October 2019.
  23. ↑ Eatbook. “Herbs Bistro FREE-TO-JOIN Eating Contest”. Facebook. December 13, 2016. Accessed on 4 November 2019.
  24. ↑ Kimbrell, Erin. “Could you eat 60 Chilli Crab Baos in eight minutes?”. Yahoo. August 28, 2016. Accessed on 30 October 2019.
  25. ↑ “Chilli Crab Bao Eating Competition : Red House Seafood”. nookmag.com. August 3, 2016. Accessed on 30 October 2019.
  26. ↑ 26.0 26.1 Food League Singapore. “Food League Singapore (Singapore Official Eater’s Record)”. Facebook. February 27, 2016. Accessed on 29 October 2019.
  27. ↑ “Xiang Ji Mega Chicken Rice Season 1”. Food League Singapore (blog). April 7, 2016. Accessed on 29 October 2019.
  28. ↑ zermattneo. “Win! First time doing a 90mins contest though”. Instagram. July 23, 2016. Accessed on 30 October 2019.
  29. ↑ “80 Mad Eaters Challenge”. Waterway Point. Accessed on 4 November 2019.
  30. ↑ Zermatt Neo. “Ah Hood Burger Eating Contest 2015”. YouTube. December 1, 2015. Accessed on 30 October 2019.
  31. ↑ Oishi News Station. “The Mission Project ปฏิบัติการณ์ มันส์ ดัน เกิด : มหกรรมการแข่งกินชาบูชิ Shabulympic 2015 Ep.4”. YouTube. July 18, 2015. Accessed on 30 October 2019.
  32. ↑ Zermattneo. “Sadly I didn't came in first. (Took 3rd place $2000 bucks.)”. Instagram. July 20, 2015. Accessed on 30 October 2019.
  33. ↑ 33.0 33.1 Lee, Min Kok. “Singaporean devours 4kg of chicken rice in under 30 minutes for eating competition”. The Straits Times. February 1, 2016. Accessed on 30 October 2019.
  34. ↑ zermattneo. “Definitely my healthiest eating contest ever”. Instagram. September 28, 2014. Accessed on 30 October 2019.
  35. ↑ “XXL Challenge 2013”. Peperoni Pizzeria. December 17, 2013. Accessed on 30 October 2019.
  36. ↑ Zermatt Neo. “Singapore Food Trail - 10,000 Calories Cheat Day Challenge!”. YouTube. February 21, 2019. Accessed on 30 October 2019.
  37. ↑ Zermatt Neo. “200 Piece SUSHI CHALLENGE vs Pro Wrestlers! | Eating with Friends Episode 2”. YouTube. May 11, 2019. Accessed on 30 October 2019.
  38. ↑ Zermatt Neo. “INSANE CHEAT DAY CHALLENGE ft Sarah Ow | Ultimate Singapore Food Trail!”. YouTube. June 18, 2019.
  39. ↑ Zermatt Neo. “Ultimate Pasta Mukbang at Pastamania Singapore!”. August 29, 2018. Accessed on 30 October 2019.
  40. ↑ zermattneo. “Collaboration with Gird Mobile”. Instagram. June 21, 2019. Accessed on 30 October 2019.
  41. ↑ Zermatt Neo. “Satay Challenge Feat. Joey Chestnut”. YouTube. November 20, 2016. Accessed on 30 October 2019.
  42. ↑ Matt Stonie. “Peanut Butter & Jelly WORLD RECORD Challenge (1-Minute)”. YouTube. September 27, 2019. Accessed on 25 October 2019.
  43. ↑ Zermatt Neo. “Randy Santel vs Zermatt Neo - Biggest Burger in Singapore!”. YouTube. July 16, 2017. Accessed on 30 October 2019.
  44. ↑ Peh, Min Hui. “Watch: Guy Who Wolfed Down 4kg Of Chicken Rice Devour 5 Other Supersized Foods”. Must Share News. February 2, 2016. Accessed on 30 October 2019.
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