Paige Spiranac Offers to Fill Joey Chestnut's Spot in Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest

With Joey Chestnut's absence at the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest looming, ESPN may have found a surprising replacement in social media influencer Paige Spiranac. After Chestnut's 19-year streak was snapped due to a sponsorship deal conflict, Spiranac stepped forward, eager to fill the void.

Paige Spiranac, the former golf pro turned social media sensation, has thrown her hat into the ring for the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest, offering to replace the absent Joey Chestnut. With Chestnut's 19-year reign as champion cut short due to a sponsorship deal conflict, ESPN may have found an unexpected solution in Spiranac.

Spiranac, known for her witty banter and engaging social media presence, first hinted at her interest in participating in the contest on Twitter, formerly known as X. "I’m available to fill in," she wrote, stating her personal record of "6.5 hotdogs in 10 minutes."

In response to her initial tweet, Spiranac received an overwhelming number of supportive comments, encouraging her to pursue the opportunity. Embracing the challenge, she later posted a video on X as "video proof" of her all-time hot dog eating accomplishment.

Chestnut, widely regarded as the greatest hot dog eater of all time, expressed disappointment upon learning of his unexpected disqualification. "I love competing in that event, I love celebrating America with my fans all over this great country on the 4th and I have been training to defend my title," Chestnut stated.

The issue stems from Chestnut's partnership with Impossible Foods, a rival of Nathan's, which has sponsored the Fourth of July spectacle for many years. According to Chestnut, Nathan's and Major League Eating are looking to change the rules regarding external partnerships, which has resulted in his exclusion from this year's event.

Despite his absence from the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest, Chestnut has an impressive track record of accomplishments beyond his famous frankfurter feasts. He holds numerous records, including consuming 32 Bic Macs in 38 minutes, 44 Raising Cane's chicken fingers in five minutes, and 61.5 four-ounce pork roll sandwiches in 10 minutes.

Spiranac, while not as accomplished in the competitive eating realm, has gained a loyal following for her golf analysis on social media. Her unconventional approach to golf coverage, often conducted while wearing low-cut shirts, has attracted a large audience of fans.

With the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest approaching, ESPN may consider Spiranac's offer to fill the void left by Chestnut's absence. Her willingness to step into the spotlight and her ability to connect with audiences could make her a compelling choice for the network.

If ESPN decides to accept Spiranac's offer, it remains to be seen if she can match Chestnut's legendary performances. However, her enthusiasm and dedication to the challenge suggest that she intends to put on a memorable show.

In the meantime, fans of the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest will eagerly await the official announcement of this year's participants. With Chestnut's absence creating an unexpected twist, the competition promises to be filled with both intrigue and competitive spirit.