A remarkable achievement unfolded in Nenana, Alaska, on November 20, 2025, when Emma-Li Ames, a 20-year-old competitor, became the first winner of the Subway Challenge by consuming a three-foot sandwich in under 30 minutes. With a time of 29 minutes, 39 seconds, Ames outpaced 15 other challengers who had attempted the feat throughout the year.
This victory was particularly significant for Ames, who had narrowly missed winning the previous year, falling short by just two minutes. Reflecting on her motivation to try again, she stated, “The honor of winning. I thought it would be cool to tell people I actually won.” The Subway Challenge requires participants to craft a sub with meat and a variety of vegetables, while adhering to a strict 30-minute time limit.
Preparation and Strategy
Ames made strategic changes in her approach this year, having learned from her earlier experience. She refrained from drinking water during the challenge, noting that it takes up valuable space. Additionally, she opted for a different bread type and chose rotisserie chicken over turkey, which she explained contains a chemical that induces a feeling of fullness. “I did provolone cheese last time, but it started to taste like feet,” she added, opting for shredded Monterey Jack cheese this time around.
The final moments of the challenge proved to be particularly intense for Ames. “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 recalled. This thought propelled her to cross the finish line just in time.
Her victory not only brought her fame but also a $75 gift card as a prize. Competing alongside Ames was Elder Goosetree, who managed to consume about half of the sandwich, a common milestone for many participants, according to Ames. “I don’t know how I’m showing up all these guys,” she remarked modestly.
A Passion for Subway and Future Plans
A graduate of West Valley High School, Ames will begin her studies at the University of Alaska Fairbanks in January, focusing on biology with an emphasis on agriculture. She aspires to work at the Large Animal Research Station. Ames has been a longtime fan of Subway, often enjoying sandwiches with friends after gym workouts. Her experience working at Subway for the past few months likely contributed to her confidence in the challenge.
Last year, during her initial attempt, Ames was supported by her brother Hyrum, recalling that participating in eating challenges has become a family tradition. “Our dad did a burger eating challenge at Rose’s Cafe,” she shared, where his photo now adorns the wall of the restaurant.
During her first attempt, both siblings advised competitors to focus solely on eating, minimizing breaks to digest. “Chew your food well so it actually fits in your stomach,” Ames had advised. For those considering participating in future challenges, she encourages them to give it a try. “It’s worth trying at least once. Maybe even twice,” she concluded.
The Nenana Subway, located at 102 Eighth St./Parks Highway, opened in mid-2024 and invites anyone interested in attempting the Subway Challenge to contact them at 907-888-9824.
