The 100-Year Life Health Education and Government
Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog competition on Coney Island was without its champion this Fourth of July holiday. Joey Chestnut, winner of 16 of the past 17 contests, including the last eight, was banned from defending his title by the organisers, Major League Eating. Chestnut, it appears, had signed a deal with a plant-based meat brand, Impossible Foods. He has loomed large over the competitive eating scene for nearly two decades, gobbling up dozens of world records in the process. His success is based on genetic advantage… and cunning. Like other champion competitive eaters, he can stretch his stomach and oesophagus to an abnormal size. He has also pioneered “rhythmic eating” which prioritises steady and consistent munching of small bites over taking giant mouthfuls. And his absence was keenly felt this year. The new champ managed a measly 58 hot dogs and buns in ten minutes. Chestnut’s record, set in 2021, is 76.
