Joey Chestnut to Challenge Army Soldiers in Hot Dog Eating Contest

Despite being excluded from the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest, competitive eater Joey Chestnut will face off against U.S. Army soldiers at Fort Bliss in Texas on July 4th.

Despite being excluded from the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest at Coney Island, competitive eater Joey Chestnut is not slowing down. The reigning champion will participate in an Army base eating contest in El Paso, Texas, on July 4th, where he will square off against U.S. Army soldiers.

Chestnut, who set a record by consuming 76 hot dogs in 10 minutes at the 2021 Nathan's contest, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to compete alongside those who serve their country.

Joey Chestnut to Challenge Army Soldiers in Hot Dog Eating Contest

"It means so much [to be with them]," he said on "Fox & Friends" on Independence Day. "It's wonderful to be a part of people's 4th of July and especially people that are putting their entire putting their life on the line for our country. I was talking to a guy who just got back from Guantanamo yesterday [and] another guy who was in Germany, so these guys are leaving their families, and they're putting everything on the line for us."

Chestnut's exclusion from the Nathan's contest was due to a conflict of interest, as he has a sponsorship deal with Impossible Foods, a competitor to Nathan's. However, he is determined to look ahead and is excited about the upcoming challenge at Fort Bliss.

Joey Chestnut to Challenge Army Soldiers in Hot Dog Eating Contest

"I'm super happy I got the invitation to come to Fort Bliss and get to eat against the soldiers, and I'm eating hot dogs the same way I always have… and I'm celebrating 4th of July with awesome people," he said.

Chestnut is known for his extraordinary competitive eating abilities and the unique feeling he experiences after consuming large amounts of food.

Joey Chestnut to Challenge Army Soldiers in Hot Dog Eating Contest

"It's like how some people are after they run a marathon," he explained. "They feel like they're exhausted, but they still love that feeling. I love the feeling of being bloated and exhausted and kind of gross, so I'm really lucky. But a lot of people don't like those feelings… that's a good time for me."

Chestnut's passion for competitive eating extends beyond the thrill of victory. He values the camaraderie and sense of community among fellow competitive eaters, who often support and encourage each other.

Joey Chestnut to Challenge Army Soldiers in Hot Dog Eating Contest

"We're a big family," he said. "We all cheer each other on, we're all friends, we all hang out together. It's like a big extended family."

The competition at Fort Bliss is not just about hot dogs but also about celebrating the nation's independence and honoring those who serve. Chestnut is proud to be part of such an event and hopes to bring joy and entertainment to the soldiers and their families.

Joey Chestnut to Challenge Army Soldiers in Hot Dog Eating Contest

"I'm going there to put on a show and give them a great time," he said. "I want to make sure they have a great 4th of July and that they remember it for the rest of their lives."