Nothing is extra American than watching Joey Chestnut take part within the annual Nathan’s Well-known Scorching Canine Consuming Contest on the 4th of July — however there’s extra to know concerning the man behind the meat.
When Did Joey Chestnut Begin Aggressive Consuming?
Chestnut received his begin within the consuming competitors scene in 2005 as a school pupil. He participated and wowed the group throughout a breakout efficiency throughout the deep-fried asparagus consuming championship the place he scarfed down 6.3 kilos of asparagus in 11 and a half minutes, beating out skilled eater Wealthy LeFevre.
After the asparagus competitors, Chestnut certified for the Nathan’s Well-known Scorching Canine Consuming Contest that very same yr. In his Coney Island debut, the aggressive eater ate 32 sizzling canine and got here in third place behind Sonya Thomas and long-time champion Takeru Kobayashi.
How Many Occasions Has Joey Chestnut Gained the Nathan’s Well-known Scorching Canine Consuming Contest?
Chestnut had two years underneath his belt earlier than taking house the win within the annual competitors. In 2007, Chestnut and Kobayashi went head-to-head in a record-setting sizzling canine consuming battle. Kobayashi — who had received the sport six years in a row — was solely capable of eat 63 franks whereas the San Jose State College alum scarfed down 66 sizzling canine to take the win.
Since his debut in 2005, Chestnut has received the new canine consuming contest a complete of 15 instances and has eaten a spread of 59 to 76 sizzling canine in every session.
For the 2023 competitors, the ESPN app could have a devoted digital camera feed for Chestnut beginning at 12:45 p.m. ET. (Your entire competitors will probably be broadcast on the app and ESPN 2.)
Does Joey Chestnut Have One other Job In addition to Skilled Consuming?
Earlier than changing into a family title, Chestnut labored with a development administration firm in Northern California. Nevertheless, in 2010 he determined to go away his day job behind to concentrate on being knowledgeable eater full-time. In a July 2023 interview with USA In the present day Sports activities, Chestnut opened up concerning the tough choice and revealed he makes $500,000 per yr and his internet price exceeds $4 million.
“My mother was apprehensive,” he recalled. “I imply, it’s good to have a job. You’ve received healthcare and retirement, all that stuff. So I needed to persuade my mother that I nonetheless had a plan for all that stuff.”
The grand prize for successful the Nathan’s competitors is $10,000 and Chestnut earns more money for his numerous sponsorships.
Has Joey Chestnut Misplaced the Nathan’s Well-known Scorching Canine Consuming Contest?
After successful eight years in a row, Chestnut was dethroned in 2015 by Matt Stonie, who made his competitors debut the yr earlier than. Within the match, Chestnut ate 60 sizzling canine whereas Stonie consumed 62 to take the win in an upset victory.
Has Joey Chestnut Competed in Any Different Competitions?
As knowledgeable aggressive eater, Chestnut has additionally participated — and holds world data — in a number of different meals challenges together with rooster wings, funnel muffins, tamales, Twinkies, tacos, Massive Macs, rooster fingers and extra.
Join Us Weekly’s free, each day e-newsletter and by no means miss breaking information or unique tales about your favourite celebrities, TV reveals and extra!
In 2018, Chestnut competed on season 30 of The Superb Race alongside fellow skilled eater, Tim Janus. The duo have been the fourth group to be eradicated.