ORLANDO, Fla. — Thousands of fans watched on as over a dozen contestants stepped onto the platform to make a splash at Franco's Flop Fest in Baldwin Park.

What You Need To Know

  • Among the three judges for the event was Orlando City defender Kyle Smith, taking it all in during a bye week

  • Each contestant stepped up onto a platform above a large swimming pool and delivered the theatrics, and hopefully, their biggest belly flop possible

  • The 2024 winner was 'Handsome Dan'

Orlando based local business, Cholo Dogs, can be found throughout the city as well as at Inter&Co Stadium and the Kia Center. Their reach extends with events including hot dog eating contest and their third annual Belly Flop competition. 

Among the three judges for the event was Orlando City defender Kyle Smith, taking it all in during a bye week.

"It's fun to see everyone having a good time, belly flopping, and even the kids are having fun with it," said Smith.

Each contestant stepped up onto a platform above a large swimming pool and delivered the theatrics, and hopefully, their biggest belly flop possible. Smith and his fellow judges had criteria for selecting their favorites.

"The entertainment before, they have to hit the belly obviously, and the sound and the splash is what I typically grade on," said Smith.

From wrestlers to superheros or vampires or sandwiches, the contestants came dressed in costumes. The 2024 winner was 'Handsome Dan.' Smith eluded to what he would dress as if he were to ever compete as a flopper himself.

"With Cholo Dogs and Jordan (Eichenblatt, the creator of Cholo Dogs and emcee of Franco's Flop Fest), I would probably dress up as a hot dog and then do the belly flop," said Smith.