ALL PHOTOS BY COLE DITZEL
Franco’s Flop Fest (Instagram | Website) returned to Tactical Brewing (Website) in Baldwin Park this Sunday, drawing a couple of thousand spectators to New Broad Street despite a rain delay that pushed back the start of the beloved belly flop contest.
The fifth annual event, billed as “Earth’s premier belly flop contest,” is presented by Florida Citrus Sports (Website) and the team behind popular Mexican hot dog purveyors, Cholo Dogs (Website). Costumed contestants competed in front of the crowd for the title of Orlando’s premier belly flopper, judged on creativity, splash, sound, impact, and overall showmanship.
This year’s judging panel included former Major League Baseball pitcher Nick Goody representing the Orlando Dreamers, last year’s champion Carlos Fonseca of Florida Citrus Sports, radio hosts Tom and Dan, and me, representing Orlando Shine.
After dozens of flops (some good, some terrible), including an attempt by Commissioner Roger Chapin as his alter-ego El Chapino, the competition came down to a battle between some unlikely candidates. A woman competing under the alias Hot Dog Mama took home the title, beating out two professional WWE wrestlers, Hank Walker (Instagram) and Tank Ledger (Instagram) known as The Belly Boys, who competed HARD for the crown.
Orlando Shine Photo Friend Cole Ditzel (Instagram | Website) was on site to capture photos from the day’s flops and festivities. The ones after the separation line at the bottom were taken by me.
Orlando Shine was a proud media sponsor of the 2026 Franco’s Flop Fest.
