OXFORD – Featuring perennial favorite Joey “Jaws” Chestnut banished from the 2024 Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest, Massachusetts resident Geoffrey Esper couldn’t seize the opportunity to become the boss on July 4th.
Pat Bertoletti took home the title with 58 hot dogs, winning his first-ever Mustard Yellow Belt on Thursday. Esper finished second, with 53 hot dogs in 10 minutes.
Why didn’t Joey Chestnut enter the hot dog contest?
Chestnut was banned this year because about its partnership with rival brand Impossible Foods, which sells plant-based hot dogs.
Chestnut, a 16-time champion, once ate a record 76 hot dogs in 10 minutes.
Who is Geoffrey Esper?
Esper has now finished second four years in a row. In 2020 there was no competition due to the COVID pandemic. In 2019, Esper came in third in the competition.
The Resident of Oxford started competing in 2015 and quickly became one of the top eaters in the annual competition.
On Thursday, Esper’s Coney Island record was 50 hot dogs in 2021. Despite falling short of winning the title, Esper surpassed that record with 53.
Preparing for Nathan’s Hotdog Eating Contest
Esper stated in his interview with WBZ-TV.
“I just fry up a bunch of hot dogs, set the timer for 10 minutes and just go at it,” he said.
In the days leading up to the race, Esper focuses on stretching. He said it’s important to stay loose and try to “stay empty for the 4th.”
