A man has died after competing in a State of Origin pie-eating competition.

The man, 64, was taken to Townsville Hospital from the pub at Bushland Beach, northwest of Townsville.

He died at 10.30pm, police say.

An employee at the Bushland Beach Tavern confirmed the man appeared to choke while competing in a half-time chilli pie-eating competition last night.

The employee said he was working in the bar when he saw the man, a regular at the pub, fall to the ground.

Read more at HERALD SUN.