World-Champion Eater Heads to Fort Bliss
After a recent controversy involving vegan hot dog endorsements, renowned competitive eater Joey Chestnut, fondly known as ‘Jaws’, will take his hot dog-eating skills to a military base in Texas. The event, scheduled for next Thursday, will take place at the Fort Bliss army station in El Paso.
Chestnut to Challenge Army Soldiers in Eating Contest
In this one-of-a-kind show, Chestnut will be competing not against individual competitors, but the combined strength of four Army soldiers when it comes to hot dog consumption. To keep things fresh, this contest will span five minutes instead of Chestnut’s usual ten-minute eating marathons.
A Winning Streak Interrupted
Chestnut was a consistent victor in Nathan’s Coney Island hot dog eating contest, maintaining an unbeaten winning streak since 2015. This included an impressive record of consuming 76 hot dogs in ten minutes at the 2021 contest. But in a surprising turn of events, his endorsement of Impossible Foods, a maker of plant-based meat that includes hot dogs, got him disqualified from the competition.
The contest organizer, Major League Eating, didn’t take Chestnut’s endorsement lightly. “We are devastated to learn that Joey Chestnut has chosen to represent a rival brand. He sells plant-based hot dogs instead of competing in the 2024 Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest,” they expressed in a statement released on social media.
Chestnut’s Reaction to his Disqualification
A native of Indiana, Chestnut expressed his disappointment. “I feel gutted,” he said, stressing that while he might return to Coney Island, he wants Major League Eating to offer an apology. “I feel bullied. If I’m ever going to work with them again, they’re going to have to apologize,” Chestnut asserted. Despite the controversy, Chestnut and his rival, Takeru Kobayashi, quickly scheduled their own food duel, which will be streamed on Netflix over Labor Day.
Major League Eating Responds
In response, Major League Eating suggested that the sponsorship issue could potentially be overlooked in the future, wishing Chestnut “the best of luck” for his upcoming competition in El Paso.
An Exciting Event Planned for Texas Independence Day
At the Texas Independence Day event, nearly 15,000 spectators are expected, the majority of them being soldiers and their families. They’ll be attending the annual Fort Bliss “Pop Goes the Fort” festival, making it a grand occasion. Chestnut’s hot dog eating challenge promises to be a highlight of the event, sure to bring some competitive spirit and entertainment to the holiday.
Chestnut’s eating prowess reaches a wide audience, and his shift to a new venue serves as an excellent opportunity for fans to see him perform live. Regardless of the controversy, Chestnut’s talent in the world of competitive eating remains unchallenged, and his upcoming appearance at Fort Bliss is eagerly anticipated by many.