June 29, 2008 The Fourth Annual Immersion Guides Chili Pepper Eating Contest had Canada Day spectators spellbound as spice-loving contestants braved the wrath of the chili for the chance to be crowned Chili King and Queen of Beijing. Gabriel Monroe, the winner of the 2006 Chili Pepper Eating Contest, and Lily Zhao, the winner of the 2007 Chili Pepper Eating Contest, faced off amongst a slew of new contenders. They held onto their crowns as they both ate a whopping 75 peppers in five minutes. Second place and the title of Pepper Prince was awarded to Spike Millington, who heroically swallowed 33 peppers. Each contestant was awarded gift certificates from Asian Star and Elisa's Italian, as well as an exclusive Chili Pepper t-shirt courtesy of Gobi Gear.

Photos by Simon Lim & Josselin Gautier