World Oyster Opening Contest

From Galway, Ireland: Norway upset Sweden at the World Oyster Opening Competition, as contestants from 18 countries vied to prepare the shellfish as quickly and neatly as possible.

Competitors came from as far away as Estonia, the United States, Australia, and Japan.

The new world champion, Ola Nilsson, opened 30 oysters in 2 minutes, 39 seconds. Nilsson is head chef at a Michelin-star restaurant in Oslo.

The shucking contest was just a portion of the festivities, as thousands gathered in Galway to celebrate a new oyster season.

Posted: Monday 27th September 2004, 12:35 PM

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