In a remarkable display of determination and skill, Emma-Li Ames, a 20-year-old competitor, became the first winner of the Nenana Subway Challenge on November 20, 2025. Ames successfully consumed a three-foot Subway sandwich in a time of 29 minutes and 39 seconds, outpacing 15 other contestants who attempted the challenge throughout the year.
Ames had previously participated in the contest in 2024, narrowly missing victory by just two minutes. Determined to secure the title, she returned for a second attempt, motivated by the desire to achieve the honor of winning. “I thought it would be cool to tell people I actually won,” she said.
Challenge Rules and Preparation
The contest rules specified that participants must select a sub with meat and a variety of vegetables, although substitutions such as extra tomatoes were allowed for those who dislike cucumbers. Most importantly, competitors had to finish eating within thirty minutes and keep the food down to qualify.
To improve her chances this time, Ames made several strategic changes to her approach. “I didn’t touch water at all this time,” she explained, noting that drinking takes up valuable space in the stomach. Instead of using white bread, she opted for a different type that she could not recall, and she also switched from turkey to rotisserie chicken, citing that turkey contains a chemical which promotes a feeling of fullness. Additionally, she chose shredded Monterey Jack cheese, recalling that provolone had an off-putting taste during her first attempt.
Motivation and Future Aspirations
Ames faced a critical moment in the final seconds of her challenge. “At the last minute, I was struggling to get the last couple bites in and I thought, ‘If I don’t finish this, I have to pay for it,’” she said. This thought spurred her to complete the challenge just in time. Along with the title, she earned a $75 gift card as a reward.
During the contest, Elder Goosetree also competed but was only able to finish about half of his sandwich. “That’s where most people get to,” Ames remarked, reflecting on the difficulties faced by previous challengers. Her success has left many wondering how she managed to outperform her competitors.
A graduate of West Valley High School, Ames plans to attend the University of Alaska Fairbanks in January to study biology with a focus on agriculture. Her ultimate goal is to work at the Large Animal Research Station. Her affinity for Subway sandwiches runs deep, as she and her friends frequently enjoyed them after gym sessions. Additionally, she has worked at Subway for the past few months.
Reflecting on her first attempt at the challenge, she was accompanied by her brother Hyrum, emphasizing the importance of family traditions. “Our dad did a burger eating challenge at Rose’s Cafe,” she shared, recalling how his achievement is memorialized on the restaurant’s wall.
Ames also offered advice for future competitors: “They should try it. It’s worth trying at least once. Maybe even twice.” The Nenana Subway opened in mid-2024 at 102 Eighth St./Parks Highway in Nenana, welcoming anyone interested in attempting the Subway Challenge to call 907-888-9824 for more information.
