We can confirm that "Humble" Bob Shoudt, the number-five ranked competitive eater in the world, will compete in the kick-off Krystal Square Off V qualifier this Saturday in Chattanooga. And rumor is he's planning to throw down the gauntlet with at least 100 Krystals in eight minutes.

Shoudt's personal best is 95 Krystals in 8 minutes, which won him the bittersweet title of runner-up at last year's World Hamburger Eating Championship after losing to Joey Chestnut's world-record breaking 103 Krystals.

Shoudt is the clear favorite to win this first of seven regional qualifiers. He'll go head-to-head against a total of 12 eaters, including SuperPaul Barlow (ranked 37th), Larry McNeil (ranked 38th) and five amateur hopefuls who will be selected on the spot.

While we know Shoudt is focused on winning Krystal Square Off V, which he recently proclaimed the "Super Bowl of competitive eating" and an event "bigger than the Olympics", we'll have to see if his eyes are bigger than his stomach when it comes to eating 100 Krystals or more.

We're also a bit curious as to whether the ribs he devoured this past weekend in the Ash Creek Saloon contest to claim his first-ever victory over Chestnut will still be sticking to his bones, affecting his gurgitating greatness. Shoudt ate 6.8 lbs of ribs in 12 minutes to Chestnut's 6.6 lbs. Shoudt's quest for the century mark and a coveted seat at the Krystal Square Off V World Hamburger Eating Championship final table will kick off at 3:00 p.m. on the Main Stage of the Southern Brewer's Festival at the Chattanooga Riverfront.

We recommend arriving early to claim your ground in the front row if you want to witness this possible history in the making, or you can stay tuned here at krystalsquareoff.com, as we'll post all the results.

Below is a complete list of eater's set to compete in the Chattanooga Qualifier on Saturday:

"Humble" Bob Shoudt
Larry McNeil
Steve Spinosa
Rick Schumacher
Rick Petralia
SuperPaul Barlow
Mike Nafziger
Brian Smith
+ 5 amateurs chosen on the spot

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