Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest: A New Champion to Emerge as Joey Chestnut Withdraws

With defending champion Joey Chestnut absent due to a conflict of interest, the stage is set for a new winner to be crowned at the iconic Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest on Coney Island.

The Fourth of July weekend is synonymous with a spectacle of gluttony and competitive eating: the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest. Held annually on Coney Island in Brooklyn, New York, the contest has become a beloved tradition since its inception in 1972. This year, however, the event will be marked by the absence of its reigning champion, Joey Chestnut.

Chestnut, who has dominated the contest for over a decade, signed a brand partnership with Impossible Foods, a rival of Nathan's. As a result, Major League Eating ruled that Chestnut would not be permitted to participate in the competition. This ruling has opened up the field for a new champion to emerge.

Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest: A New Champion to Emerge as Joey Chestnut Withdraws

With Chestnut out of the race, sportsbooks have identified four contenders as the favorites: Geoffrey Esper, James Webb, Nick Wehry, and Patrick Bertoletti. Esper, who holds the Guinness World Record for most hot dogs eaten in one minute, is the frontrunner at -110 odds. Webb, a three-time winner of the Joey Chestnut World Tour, is second at +140, followed by Wehry at +300 and Bertoletti at +600.

Esper's exceptional speed and stamina make him a formidable opponent. In 2021, he set a new record by consuming 37 hot dogs in one minute. Webb, known for his strategic approach and ability to maintain a consistent pace, is a proven contender. Wehry, a rising star in the competitive eating circuit, holds the record for most hot dogs eaten in a single year. Bertoletti, a former Marine with a large appetite, is a dark horse candidate.

Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest: A New Champion to Emerge as Joey Chestnut Withdraws

The Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest is a test of both physical and mental endurance. Contestants have 10 minutes to consume as many hot dogs (and buns) as possible. Condiments and other beverages are permitted, but most competitors opt for none. The winner takes home a prize of $10,000.

The contest has gained immense popularity over the years, thanks in large part to the rivalry between Chestnut and Takeru Kobayashi. Kobayashi, the Japanese eating legend, broke the world record in 2001 by consuming 50 hot dogs in 12 minutes. Chestnut dethroned him in 2007, and the two have since engaged in epic battles for the crown.

Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest: A New Champion to Emerge as Joey Chestnut Withdraws

While Chestnut's absence will undoubtedly cast a different light on the contest, it also presents an opportunity for a new star to rise. With a field of talented eaters vying for the championship, the 2023 Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest promises to deliver an unforgettable spectacle.

The contest will be broadcast live on ESPN at noon ET on July 4.