The Unlikely
Champion's Story
How an IFBB Pro Bodybuilder discovered his true calling and revolutionized competitive eating forever.
Bartley "The Raccoon" Weaver IV isn't your typical athlete. At 6'3" and 285 pounds of solid muscle, the former IFBB Pro Bodybuilder discovered an extraordinary gift during a 2017 bulk phase - the ability to consume massive quantities of food at unprecedented speeds.
"They called me 'The Raccoon' because I'd destroy everything in sight during my bulk phases. What started as a joke became my destiny."
Bartley "The Raccoon" Weaver IV
Founder & CEO • 4x World Champion
IFBB Pro Bodybuilder • Competitive Eating Legend
Legitimizing Competitive Eating as a True Sport
"When I transitioned from bodybuilding to competitive eating, people laughed. They saw it as a downgrade, a circus act. But I saw potential - athletes with incredible abilities being treated as entertainment rather than competitors."
"My vision for EEC is simple: create a platform where competitive eaters are respected as athletes, where safety comes first, and where talent can build sustainable careers. We're not just hosting eating contests - we're building the future of food sports."
"The same discipline that took me to the IFBB Pro stage - tracking macros, progressive overload, recovery protocols - applies to competitive eating. It's time the world sees this sport through the lens of athletic achievement, not novelty."
From Muscle to Meals: The EEC Timeline
Early Years
Born into a family of food enthusiasts, young Bartley showed exceptional appetite from age 4
IFBB Pro Card
Earned IFBB Pro Bodybuilding status at age 18, youngest in Nevada history
The Discovery
Won first eating contest during bodybuilding bulk phase - 73 hot dogs in 10 minutes
Founded EEC
Established Extreme Eating Championships to professionalize competitive eating
Global Expansion
47 competition wins, 4 world records, and EEC events in 15 cities
Built on Athletic Excellence
The same principles that guide elite athletes drive every EEC event
Athletic Integrity
Competitive eating is a sport requiring training, discipline, and respect - not a sideshow.
Competitor Wellness
Mandatory EMT presence, proper recovery protocols, and athlete health monitoring at every event.
Professional Standards
Fair judging, accurate measurements, and transparent rules that elevate the sport.
Community First
Building a supportive ecosystem where competitive eaters can make a living from their talent.
Ready to Join the Revolution?
Whether you're an aspiring competitive eater or a fan of the sport, there's a place for you in the EEC family.