The Tabloid Newspapers Overport Chilli Challenge delivered another afternoon of fiery competition and family entertainment when it took place at The Atrium Berea on Saturday, 1 August.
The popular event attracted a strong audience turnout, with shoppers, families and supporters gathering around the competition area to cheer on the contestants as they attempted to eat as many green chillies as possible within two minutes.
Spectators were well entertained throughout the challenge as contestants battled through the heat, with each round bringing excitement, laughter and plenty of encouragement from the crowd.
Joash Moonsamy emerged as the 2026 Overport Chilli Challenge champion after consuming an impressive 50 chillies. Ajith Otham secured second place with 45 chillies, while Zunaid Bux finished third after eating 34 chillies.
Several other contestants also delivered strong performances. Nephtali Nakumara ate 32 chillies, improving on the 27 he managed last year, while Euveer consumed 31 chillies after eating 28 in the previous competition.
Front L-R – Ajith Otham (45 Chillies), Joash Moonsamy (50 Chillies) and Zunaid Bux (34 Chillies)
Aadil Ismail improved his previous total of 26 chillies by eating 30 this year, while Wesley Levey finished with 28 chillies. Mohammed Suhail Mamla and Juan Pierre each ate 27 chillies, with Pierre improving on his previous total of 21. Haniff Murtaza completed the challenge with 25 chillies.
Tabloid Newspapers thanked The Atrium Berea for providing the venue for the event, AcciMed Paramedics for being on site to support the safety and wellbeing of participants, and the generous sponsors who contributed prizes.
The prize sponsors included Spur, Nando’s, Doppio Zero, RocoMamas, Osman’s Cash & Carry, Osman’s Taj Mahal Spice Works, Huawei, Vodacom City View, and Noodle King.
Atrium Berea marketing manager, Saloshini Naidoo, said the Chilli Challenge had become a firm favourite on the centre’s annual programme.
“The Tabloid Newspapers Chilli Challenge has become one of the highlights of our events calendar, and this year’s competition delivered exactly the excitement and entertainment we expected. It was wonderful to see such a strong turnout and so many shoppers supporting the contestants. We thank Tabloid Newspapers for once again bringing this exciting community event to The Atrium Berea, as well as all the sponsors and partners who helped make it a success,” Naidoo said.
The excitement is far from over, with the next Tabloid Newspapers Chilli Challenge taking place at The Chatsworth Centre on Saturday, 15 August. The series will then move to Starwood Mall in Phoenix on Saturday, 29 August, giving more contestants the opportunity to test their tolerance for heat and compete for exciting prizes.
Community members are encouraged to attend the upcoming events, support the contestants and enjoy another entertaining afternoon of fiery competition.
