Joey Chestnut, the competitive eater known for dominating the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest, is set to face a new challenge on July 4th. Due to a ban from the 2024 contest, Chestnut will be going head-to-head with U.S. soldiers in a hot dog eating competition at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas.
Unlike the traditional Nathan’s contest, this event will have some unique rules. Instead of the usual 10-minute time frame, the competition will only last for five minutes. Additionally, Chestnut will be pitted against not one, but four soldiers at the same time. This change in format will surely test his eating abilities in a different way.
Chestnut expressed his thoughts on the upcoming challenge, stating that if each soldier manages to eat over ten hot dogs, that would be considered impressive. The event is expected to draw a crowd of around 15,000 people as part of the annual “Pop Goes the Fort” celebration, complete with various performances and fireworks.
Competing against soldiers will provide Chestnut with valuable practice while he is unable to participate in the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest. His ban from the iconic event came after he signed an endorsement deal with Impossible Foods, a plant-based alternative to traditional hot dogs. Despite this setback, Chestnut remains determined to stay competitive in the world of competitive eating.
This unique event not only showcases Chestnut’s adaptability as a competitive eater but also highlights the spirit of friendly competition between a professional eater and members of the military. It serves as a reminder of the diverse talents and skills that individuals can bring to the table, or in this case, the hot dog eating contest.
As Chestnut prepares to take on this new challenge, fans and spectators eagerly anticipate the showdown between the renowned eater and the brave soldiers. The event promises to be an exciting display of talent, determination, and sportsmanship, bringing together different worlds in a shared celebration of food and competition.