Competitive eater Joey Chestnut was unable to participate in the Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest on Coney Island due to a sponsorship deal with Impossible Foods. As a result, Chestnut took his talents to Fort Bliss, Texas, where he competed against Army soldiers in a Fourth of July feast. Despite being away from the main event, Chestnut showed no signs of rust as he consumed an impressive 57 hot dogs and buns in just five minutes, outdoing four other competitors combined.
Chestnut’s performance in Texas almost surpassed that of the actual Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest winner, Pat Bertoletti, who ate 58 hot dogs. This was far from Chestnut’s record of 76 hot dogs set in 2021, but it was still an impressive feat. Major League Eating initially barred Chestnut from the competition due to his sponsorship deal with Impossible Foods, but later reversed the ban. However, Chestnut had already committed to competing in Texas.
During the ESPN broadcast of the Coney Island contest, Major League Eating CEO Rich Shea praised Chestnut as a great competitor and person who had made the choice not to participate in the competition. He noted the excitement and tradition of the event, which draws thousands of fans to Coney Island each year. Despite being far from the main event, Chestnut had a strong showing in Fort Bliss, with a few hundred fans showing up to support him.
The event at Fort Bliss, sponsored by Impossible Foods, featured a $106,000 donation check presented to Operation Homefront, a charity that supports military families. Chestnut expressed his gratitude to the fans who supported him and acknowledged the military service of his family members. Despite not being able to compete at Coney Island, Chestnut’s performance in Texas showcased his competitive eating skills and his commitment to charitable causes.
Overall, Chestnut’s absence from the Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest due to his sponsorship deal with Impossible Foods did not deter him from showcasing his eating skills and giving back to the military community. Despite being unable to compete in the main event, Chestnut’s performance in Texas was impressive, and his charitable efforts were commendable. The support from fans and the donation to Operation Homefront highlighted Chestnut’s dedication to both his sport and to supporting important causes.
