LAS VEGAS -- America’s most famous competitive eater and a former champion who retired to Henderson will be among the competitors at Las Vegas’ first Meatball-Eating Championship at the Rio Hotel and Casino.

Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest champion Joey Chestnut, who appeared Friday on FOX5 News: Live In Las Vegas, said he welcomes the challenge from 65-year-old Rich LeFevre, who will be coming out of retirement for the event.

The 10-minute contest, a feast of meatballs from Martorano’s restaurant, will be a utensils-only event. While this is considered the norm in most American households, it can be a disadvantage for competitive eaters used to eating with their hands.

Major League Eating, while always a thrilling spectator sport, has become even more popular in recent years, largely thanks to Chestnut’s famous battles with Japanese eating champ Takeru Kobayashi.

The league has even released a video game for the Nintendo Wii console.