Every year, people of all ages, races and creeds gather around to find out what might be the most controversial news of the year. Palms are sweaty, eye movement is rapid, and the stakes are high as judges deliberate on which contestant takes home the crown of "World's Ugliest Dog."

On Saturday, this pinnacle moment of overt shallowness and die-hard canine competition returned to us when the 9-year-old English Bulldog Zsa Zsa was crowned "World's Ugliest Dog" at the Sonoma-Marin Fair in Petaluma, California.

Zsa Zsa and her large tongue not only beat out the other dogs, but she brought ome $1500.

'That dog is appalling' says a judge @ #WUD #SonomaMarinFair pic.twitter.com/bUULI45ZOB
— Lisa Amin Gulezian (@LisaAminABC7) June 24, 2018

As with any competition rating animals by their looks, there's a lot of controversy surrounding Zsa Zsa's win. Some people think she's too conventionally cute of a dog to be claiming such a loud title. After all, we don't want her taking up space where a TRULY ugly dog could shine.

Meet Zsa Zsa and owner Megan Brainard! Her tongue almost drags on the floor when he walks. It’s real! She got a manicure just for this occasion. #WorldsUgliestDog #SonomaMarinFair pic.twitter.com/G6FwHTbjq3
— Sonoma-Marin Fair (@SonomaMarinFair) June 24, 2018

Zsa Zsa, a 9-year-old English Bulldog from Anoka, MN, beats the heat after winning the title of World's Ugliest Dog® at the Sonoma-Marin Fair in Petaluma, California #AlamyPOTW, #WorldsUgliestDog, #dogs pic.twitter.com/R3HQYwzFAA
— Tim Fleming (@WebguruTim) June 24, 2018

I think she’s cute!
— Portmanteau at Home 😷 (@SadlyCatless) June 24, 2018

You call him ugly, I call you mean. He's the cutest little dog in the universe. I love him!
— Taylor Amor (@TaylorAmor8) June 24, 2018

'World's ugliest dog' Zsa Zsa wins $1,500 prize https://t.co/09unp2V9cH
— SkyNews (@SkyNews) June 24, 2018

But she’s freakin adorable so..?
— chrissy ⚡️🌱 (@sf_chrissy) June 24, 2018

I love her
— get ur flu shot (@DamianneTweets) June 24, 2018

pic.twitter.com/Xzre9SmV7z
— Thrillho (@Joystik_thePony) June 24, 2018

She is BEAUTIFUL!
— Kate Molloy (@katethecake) June 24, 2018

https://twitter.com/rugbyfanjack/status/1010816127197380609

Most people's issue with Zsa Zsa's win had far more to do with the ethics (or lack thereof) of the competition than her actual ugliness.

Congratulations to the 2018 #WorldsUgliestDog Contest WINNER Zsa Zsa! Charming the judges with her beauty and talent Zsa Zsa pulled in front of the pack, taking this year’s crown at the #SonomaMarinFair! @pawscouttag pic.twitter.com/pVAXgT3BzZ
— Sonoma-Marin Fair (@SonomaMarinFair) June 24, 2018

Some people think the idea of parading around an animal and poking fun at its genetics is completely cruel (they have a point).

https://twitter.com/chandleredward2/status/1010899346307538944

You can be a dog and be tilted the #WUD woah the world couldn’t have gotten crazier.
— A K (@OT7losophy) June 24, 2018

That judge is appalling.
— christina (@tinariechelle) June 24, 2018

While others find the concept of an owner winning money for a dog's face completely bizarre.

https://twitter.com/RobloxianNarwh1/status/1010923621701836800

People also validly noted that Zsa Zsa's appearance could be due to inbreeding, and that she looks like she's in deep pain.

I really suggest watching the Adam Ruins videos on this. He covers how we inbreed dogs through purebreeding, and it created the modern day bulldog (whose standard form is still a genetic monster with breathing difficulties, all have hip dysplasia, etc)https://t.co/D4GPQNsmxR
— GreenKirby / Terrence of the Light Novel Podcast (@GRNKRBY) June 24, 2018

https://twitter.com/cdoggindahouse/status/1010910462349897728

Exactly. My first thought was: that dog is in pain.
— Lisa D. (@Lamarama27) June 24, 2018

As far as the ethics of these competitions and breeding dogs to be ugly, I would have to agree with all the naysayers. This definitely feels like a form of cruelty to me. Personally, I think Zsa Zsa is cute, and I spiritually feel like her when I wake up in the morning. Hopefully the $1500 is used to buy her a soft bed and some treats.

The winner for 'world's ugliest dog' has been announced, and people have strong feelings.