A Chinese man from Sichuan province – known for its spicy food – “struck gold” after eating 47 chillies in two minutes in a competition, mainland media report.

The unnamed man from Chengdu beat contestants from around the country to claim first prize of a life-sized chilli made of gold, in the event in Lijiang, in Yunnan province, on Saturday, China News Service reported.

The contestants, who were mostly tourists, all sat in barrels of water filled with red chillies while being fed by women dressed in traditional costumes, during the event organised by the Songcheng tourist theme park, in Lijiang.

A number of participants cried during the event because of the heat of the chillies and after spicy water got into their eyes, the report said.

Most of the competitors appeared to be in great pain as they were photographed by other tourists, the report said.

Many internet users were less than impressed by the event.