With Joey Chestnut absent from Thursday’s Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest, the door is wide open for a new champion to emerge.
The last time someone other than Chestnut took home the title was in 2015 when Matt Stonie surprised the crowd. Prior to that, Takeru Kobayashi claimed victory in 2006.
Geoffrey Esper, who devoured 49 hot dogs at last year’s competition, is the top returning contender, finishing second behind Chestnut’s 62. His personal record stands at 51 hot dogs in 10 minutes.
James Webb, who came in third last year with 47 hot dogs, is also considered a strong contender. Nick Wehry, who finished fourth with 45 hot dogs last year, is back for another shot.
Related story: Hot dog champ Chestnut to face former rival Kobayashi in Netflix special
Among the women, Miki Sudo is the favorite to win after dominating the competition for nine out of the last 10 years. The only year she didn’t win was in 2021 due to pregnancy.
Last year, Sudo consumed 39.5 hot dogs, leading all women competitors. Mayoi Ebihara finished with 33.5 hot dogs.
What is Joey Chestnut doing instead?
Fans can still catch Chestnut in action as he takes on four soldiers from Fort Bliss in a hot dog eating contest, livestreamed on his YouTube page.
Officials from Major League Eating notified Chestnut last month that he would not be allowed to compete this year due to his partnership with a vegan hot dog company.
Chestnut will also face off against Kobayashi in a special event airing on Netflix later this year.
