New York, NY -- It's that time of year when competitive eaters start stretching their stomachs in preparation for the grandaddy of all matzo ball eating contests.

The first rounds of Ben's Kosher Deli's Matzo Ball Eating Contest begin tomorrow (Jan. 7) in Baldwin, N.Y., and both professional and amateur eaters are expected to chomp down on soup bowls full of matzo balls that weigh around 5.5 oz each.

Each competitor has 2 minutes and 50 seconds to gobble as many matzos as they can, and the numbers can reach into the double digits.

The pros will be hoping to advance to the finals in Manhattan January 27, while the amateurs will be vying for titles such as the "Best Grandma" and the "Best Public School Teacher."

A spokesman says the same rules apply in both tiers of competition: Absolutely no vomiting allowed and you get docked for any matzo left in the bowl.

The top eater has some big shoes to fill: Last year's big winner ate 21 matzo balls in 5 minutes and 25 seconds.

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