United States Oyster Shucking Champion William “Chopper” Paine of Wellfleet, Massachusetts competed in Ireland for the World title, and placed 9th in a field of 16. The shucker from Estonia won the World title. “Copper” earned the title of US National Champion at the St. Mary’s County Oyster Festival which is home to the US National Oyster Shucking Competition, in the fall of 2013.
His trip to Ireland was courtesy of the Rotary Club of Lexington Park, the host organization of both the competition and the Oyster Festival. He was accompanied by Larry Brantoover, the Club’s past president and most recent King Oyster (shown in the picture below at the 2013 festival). “Chopper” will be back in Leonardtown on the 18th and 19th of October for this year’s St. Mary’s County Oyster Festival.
As the reigning US Champion he does not need to compete in the preliminary heats on Saturday, but will defend his title in the finals on Sunday. The 2013 title was “Chopper’s” third US title. He also holds the local title from his hometown of Wellfleet, Massachusetts.