Fans of dough, cheese and sauce gathered Saturday at Joe's Pizza for its 12th annual pizza eating contest.

Who would be crowned pizza king of Holbrook? It's a serious title.

"Remember, more men have walked on the moon than there are pizza kings of Holbrook," says Phillip Donofrio, of Joe's Pizza.

More than 100 people cheered on the competitors.

The competition challenges contestants to eat as many slices in 10 minutes. It's a contest of mind over stomach. Strategy and strength, plus a little gastric fortitude.

There is a point in competitive eating where the eaters hit a wall. Others catch a wave to get that Zen slice moment.

Eventually, two competitors of the table went on slice for slice.

The record at Joe's is 10 and a half slices. With the July heat, some kids said the competitors had a unique way to eat.

"He kept dipping in in the water. It was amazing. I couldn't do that," said Collin Acunzo, of Ronkonkoma.

In the end, Nick Diana, a first-time participant, gobbled down nine slices in 10 minutes to make himself this year's king.

"Around five or six [slices] it starts to get rough," said the Melville resident.

Jimmy Purificato, a pizza, cannoli and zeppole eating veteran, was right behind with eight slices.

"I'll take it. I'm not upset with myself. It was tough, it was fun though," said Purificato, of Sayville.

The prizes were a Joe's gift card, bragging rights and a full stomach.