Joey Chestnut to Face Off Against Soldiers in Hot Dog Eating Contest on Independence Day

Despite being excluded from Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest at Coney Island, renowned competitive eater Joey Chestnut will participate in an Army base hot dog eating contest against soldiers this July Fourth.

Renowned competitive eater Joey Chestnut, who made headlines by consuming a record-setting 76 hot dogs in 10 minutes during the 2021 Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest, is gearing up for a unique food challenge this Independence Day. Chestnut will join soldiers at an Army base in El Paso, Texas, for an unforgettable hot dog eating contest.

"It means so much [to be with them]," Chestnut expressed while joining "Fox & Friends" on July 4th. He is honored to spend time with those who selflessly serve their country. "It's wonderful to be a part of people's 4th of July, especially those who put their entire lives on the line for our country. I was talking to a guy who just got back from Guantanamo yesterday [and] another guy who was in Germany, so these guys are leaving their families and risking everything for us."

Joey Chestnut to Face Off Against Soldiers in Hot Dog Eating Contest on Independence Day

Joey Chestnut to Face Off Against Soldiers in Hot Dog Eating Contest on Independence Day

Chestnut was unable to participate in this year's Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest due to his sponsorship with Impossible Foods, a rival of Nathan's. However, he remains optimistic and focused on the upcoming competition. "I'm super happy I got the invitation to come to Fort Bliss and get to eat against the soldiers, and I'm eating hot dogs the same way I always have… and I'm celebrating 4th of July with awesome people," he said of Thursday's competition.

Chestnut's passion for competitive eating is evident in his description of the aftermath of consuming copious amounts of food. "It's like how some people are after they run a marathon. They feel like they're exhausted, but they still love that feeling," he shared. "I love the feeling of being bloated and exhausted and kind of gross, so I'm really lucky. But a lot of people don't like those feelings… that's a good time for me."

Joey Chestnut to Face Off Against Soldiers in Hot Dog Eating Contest on Independence Day

Joey Chestnut to Face Off Against Soldiers in Hot Dog Eating Contest on Independence Day

Chestnut's unique ability to withstand the physical and emotional rigors of competitive eating has made him a legend in the food world. His participation in the Army base hot dog eating contest is not only a chance for him to showcase his extraordinary skills but also an opportunity to honor and support the brave soldiers who serve their country.

The July Fourth hot dog eating contest will be a spectacle that celebrates both the spirit of competition and the sacrifices made by our military personnel. Joey Chestnut's presence at the event promises to add an extra layer of excitement as he demonstrates his exceptional abilities while honoring the true heroes of the day.

Joey Chestnut to Face Off Against Soldiers in Hot Dog Eating Contest on Independence Day

Joey Chestnut to Face Off Against Soldiers in Hot Dog Eating Contest on Independence Day

Joey Chestnut to Face Off Against Soldiers in Hot Dog Eating Contest on Independence DayJoey Chestnut to Face Off Against Soldiers in Hot Dog Eating Contest on Independence Day