Nothing is extra American than watching Joey Chestnut take part within the annual Nathan’s Well-known Scorching Canine Consuming Contest on the 4th of July — however there’s extra to know concerning the man behind the meat.
When Did Joey Chestnut Begin Aggressive Consuming?
Chestnut obtained his begin within the consuming competitors scene in 2005 as a university scholar. He participated and wowed the group throughout a breakout efficiency throughout the deep-fried asparagus consuming championship the place he scarfed down 6.3 kilos of asparagus in 11 and a half minutes, beating out skilled eater Wealthy LeFevre.
After the asparagus competitors, Chestnut certified for the Nathan’s Well-known Scorching Canine Consuming Contest that very same 12 months. In his Coney Island debut, the aggressive eater ate 32 sizzling canine and got here in third place behind Sonya Thomas and long-time champion Takeru Kobayashi.

How Many Instances Has Joey Chestnut Gained the Nathan’s Well-known Scorching Canine Consuming Contest?
Chestnut had two years below his belt earlier than taking residence the win within the annual competitors. In 2007, Chestnut and Kobayashi went head-to-head in a record-setting sizzling canine consuming battle. Kobayashi — who had received the sport six years in a row — was solely capable of eat 63 franks whereas the San Jose State College alum scarfed down 66 sizzling canine to take the win.
Since his debut in 2005, Chestnut has received the recent canine consuming contest a complete of 15 occasions and has eaten a variety of 59 to 76 sizzling canine in every session.
For the 2023 competitors, the ESPN app could have a devoted digital camera feed for Chestnut beginning at 12:45 p.m. ET. (Your entire competitors might be broadcast on the app and ESPN 2.)
Does Joey Chestnut Have One other Job Moreover Skilled Consuming?
Earlier than turning into a family title, Chestnut labored with a building administration firm in Northern California. Nevertheless, in 2010 he determined to go away his day job behind to concentrate on being knowledgeable eater full-time. In a July 2023 interview with USA As we speak Sports activities, Chestnut opened up concerning the tough choice and revealed he makes $500,000 per 12 months and his internet price exceeds $4 million.
“My mother was anxious,” he recalled. “I imply, it’s good to have a job. You’ve obtained healthcare and retirement, all that stuff. So I needed to persuade my mother that I nonetheless had a plan for all that stuff.”
The grand prize for profitable the Nathan’s competitors is $10,000 and Chestnut earns extra money for his varied sponsorships.

Has Joey Chestnut Misplaced the Nathan’s Well-known Scorching Canine Consuming Contest?
After profitable eight years in a row, Chestnut was dethroned in 2015 by Matt Stonie, who made his competitors debut the 12 months earlier than. Within the match, Chestnut ate 60 sizzling canine whereas Stonie consumed 62 to take the win in an upset victory.
Has Joey Chestnut Competed in Any Different Competitions?
As knowledgeable aggressive eater, Chestnut has additionally participated — and holds world data — in a number of different meals challenges together with hen wings, funnel desserts, tamales, Twinkies, tacos, Large Macs, hen fingers and extra.
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In 2018, Chestnut competed on season 30 of The Superb Race alongside fellow skilled eater, Tim Janus. The duo had been the fourth staff to be eradicated.
