The reigning champion of the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest will be absent from this year's event due to a conflict of interest with the contest's sponsor.
The annual spectacle of the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest will witness a significant shift this year with the absence of its reigning monarch, Joey Chestnut. The enigmatic eater, who has dominated the competition for over a decade, has been barred from participating due to his recent partnership with Impossible Foods, a rival of the contest's primary sponsor, Nathan's.
Chestnut's expulsion from the contest has sent shockwaves through the competitive eating community and has left a void in the competition that is unlikely to be filled easily. Since dethroning Takeru Kobayashi in 2007, Chestnut has established an unparalleled legacy at Coney Island, setting new world records and cementing his status as an icon in the sport.
The King of Coney Island No More: Joey Chestnut Out of Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest
The absence of Chestnut has opened up the race for the coveted Mustard Yellow Belt, and sportsbooks have identified four potential contenders: Geoffrey Esper, James Webb, Nick Wehry, and Patrick Bertoletti. Esper, the reigning X-Eating World Champion, is favored to claim victory, while Webb, Wehry, and Bertoletti each possess their own unique strengths and aspirations.
The Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest, held annually on the Fourth of July, has become a symbol of American excess and competitive eating prowess. The contest's simple rules—eat as many hot dogs (and buns) as possible in 10 minutes—have captivated audiences and made the event a staple of the holiday weekend.
The King of Coney Island No More: Joey Chestnut Out of Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest
This year's contest will be broadcast live on ESPN and is expected to draw millions of viewers. While the absence of Chestnut may diminish the event's star power, the spectacle and drama of the competition are sure to remain intact.
Despite his absence from Coney Island, Chestnut will not be entirely absent from the competitive eating scene on Independence Day. The 15-time Nathan's champion will be competing in a separate hot dog eating contest in El Paso, Texas, which will be streamed live hours after the conclusion of the Nathan's event.
The King of Coney Island No More: Joey Chestnut Out of Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest
Chestnut's decision to pursue a partnership with Impossible Foods, a plant-based meat alternative company, has sparked controversy within the competitive eating community. Some have accused him of prioritizing financial gain over his competitive legacy, while others have applauded his willingness to embrace new opportunities and support sustainable food options.
Regardless of the controversy, Chestnut's departure from Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest marks a significant chapter in the annals of the event. His dominance has defined the competition for over a decade, and his absence will create new opportunities for aspiring competitive eaters to make their mark on the Coney Island boardwalk.
With Chestnut out of the picture, the 2023 Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest promises to be one of the most unpredictable and competitive in recent memory. The four potential contenders each possess the talent and determination to claim victory, and the outcome is likely to come down to the final seconds of the 10-minute time limit.
