Is there any indication if the winner had eaten anything? I was out in the sun a few months back and started drinking a lot of water. I started too feel woozy and light headed. At first, I thought it wasn't enough water. A friend noticed and got me some food. Suddenly I realized I needed salt. I was handed a can of chips. I still felt weird after that, but not as bad as I had.
By giving you those salty chips, your friend might have killed you. Decades ago, the medical profession decreed that giving salt in any form under your type of circumstances could trigger some sort of cardiac event; including a heart attack. That's why salt tablets are no longer available. Had that happened to you (and I'm glad it didn't) would you or your friend be responsible for your death? Would you want your relatives taking your friend to court and suing for your death?
I assume the winner must of eaten a lot of salty foods. I've eaten foods with lots of salt, which makes me want to drink a lot of water. Too much water causes electrolyte inbalance and that can kill you.