Competitive eater Joey Chestnut, known for his impressive hot dog eating skills, was not able to participate in the Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest at Coney Island due to a sponsorship conflict. However, this did not stop him from showcasing his talents at Fort Bliss, Texas, where he took on Army soldiers in a Fourth of July eating extravaganza.
Despite not competing in New York, Chestnut proved that he was still at the top of his game by devouring a whopping 57 hot dogs and buns in just five minutes. This impressive feat outshined the combined total of four other competitors who managed to consume only 49 hot dogs and buns altogether.
Although Chestnut’s record of 76 hot dogs set in 2021 remained unbeaten, he came close to the winning tally of Pat Bertoletti, who ate 58 hot dogs earlier in the day to claim the famous mustard belt. Chestnut’s decision to compete in Fort Bliss was fueled by his initial ban from the competition due to his association with Impossible Foods, a brand specializing in plant-based meat alternatives. Despite Major League Eating retracting the ban, Chestnut chose to show his support for the military by competing at the Army base.
During the event, Chestnut expressed his gratitude to the fans who came out to cheer him on, especially acknowledging the military service of his family members. The crowd at Fort Bliss, though smaller in comparison to the usual Nathan’s Famous event, showed strong support for the competitive eater.
The competition at Fort Bliss was sponsored by Impossible Foods, with CEO Peter McGuinness presenting a generous donation check of $106,000 to Operation Homefront, a charity dedicated to assisting military families. This demonstration of support for the armed forces added a meaningful touch to the eating contest, highlighting the importance of giving back to those who serve our country.
Joey Chestnut’s dominating performance at Fort Bliss showcased not only his exceptional eating abilities but also his commitment to honoring and supporting the military community. Despite facing setbacks, Chestnut’s determination and talent shone through, leaving a lasting impression on all those who witnessed his eating prowess on Independence Day.