Of course, we can’t forget one of the patron saints of competitive eating and the face of the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest, one Mr. Joey Chestnut. The 16-time reigning champion was banned this year due to his sponsorship deal with Impossible Foods, the maker of plant-based meat replacements (like hot dogs). Read the full story on Chestnut’s banishment here.
But just as birds know when it’s time to fly south for the winter, Chestnut’s soul cries out for a truly alarming amount of hot dogs on Independence Day. He’ll be holding his own contest at Fort Bliss, Texas, where he’ll compete against soldiers to see who can eat the most hot dogs and buns in five minutes (half the time of the Nathan’s contest).
It will be streamed live on Chestnut’s YouTube channel at 5pm (Eastern Time). You can follow the whole story live later today via this live blog.
