It's not easy to become the "Drunkest One at the Reception".  It's not something that's just handed to you.  Tank had much help from Coop; encouraging him to drink, drink, drink.

"I DID NOT COME ALL THE WAY TO ALBANY TO REMAIN SOBER," Tank explained, "A GOOD GREASY OMELETTE TOMORROW MORNING WILL MAKE IT ALL GO AWAY."

His efforts paid off; Tank won the contest handily.