It appears there will be more than a world record at stake when competitive eaters munch down little hamburgers in Krystal Square Off V.  The Chattanooga company announced today it will award $50,000 in cash prizes, making it the largest cash purse in competitive eating history.

"Victory will be as good as gold at the Krystal Square Off V finals this year as we give away the largest cash purse in competitive eating history," said Brad Wahl, Krystal's Vice President of Marketing.  "As elite, world-class athletes, these competitors are focused on the title first and foremost, but winning some cold, hard cash will make victory taste even sweeter."

This year's winner will earn $20,000 in cash, twice the amount Joey Chestnut took home in 2007 after eating 103 Krystal's in eight minutes.  The runner-up at Krystal Square Off V will take home a paycheck of $10,000.

When I spoke with Krystal's Marketing Promotions Manager, Kenny Hammontree last week, he alluded that there would be some big money even for those you didn't finish in the top.  Well, here's the breakdown for everyone else.  3rd place gets $5,000, 4th - $3,000; 5th - $2,500; 6th - $2,000; 7th - $1,850; 8th - $1,500; 9th - $1,400; 10th - $1,250; 11th - $1,000; 12th - $500.

The Krystal Square Off V World Hamburger Eating Championship chows down on Sept. 28, 2008 in downtown Chattanooga.  Registration for qualifying rounds still remains open at some locations.