Joey Chestnut, the world’s most renowned competitive eater, never envisioned a career in devouring colossal quantities of food when he was a student at San Jose University. Originally focused on engineering and construction management, Chestnut’s path took an unexpected turn after a lobster-eating contest. Known for his rapid eating skills at family dinners and college dorms, Chestnut told CNN Sports that competitive eating introduced a new dynamic. “I was actually hesitant,” he admitted, “because I didn’t want to eat fast in front of people. But as soon as I did the first contest, I fell in love with it.”
Chestnut’s career transformation was swift and remarkable. According to Major League Eating, an official organization for the sport, he holds 56 records, including eating 12.9 pounds of deep-fried asparagus and 55 glazed donuts. However, his most celebrated feat is at the annual Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest in New York, where he set a record by consuming 76 hot dogs in 10 minutes in 2021. His achievements are a testament to his dedication to treating competitive eating as a sport, emphasizing the rigorous training and discipline involved.
The Making of a Champion
Chestnut likens his training regimen to that of a marathon runner, focusing on speed and endurance. He meticulously analyzes videotapes of his practices to improve his performance. After competitions, despite feeling “drunk on food,” he resists the urge to purge, understanding that building tolerance is essential for progress. “You have to build a tolerance, you’re not gonna get any better if you don’t digest it,” he explained.
Chestnut’s rise to fame began in earnest in 2005 at the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest. However, it was in 2007 that he made headlines by dethroning six-time champion Takeru Kobayashi with 66 hot dogs. This rivalry, marked by intense competition, was disrupted by contractual disputes that prevented Kobayashi from competing after 2009. Chestnut continued to dominate, winning the contest 16 times until a similar dispute kept him away in 2024.
A Rivalry Rekindled
In a highly anticipated event last year, Chestnut faced Kobayashi for the first time in 15 years, live-streamed by Netflix. Chestnut emerged victorious, setting a new personal record with 83 hot dogs. “I get goosebumps every time we go against each other,” Chestnut shared. Despite their fame, the relationship between the two remains distant, partly due to past tensions. Chestnut hopes for a friendly reconciliation, expressing a desire to give Kobayashi a “big sweaty hug” after their contests.
Competitive eating, while popular in countries like the United States, Canada, Germany, and Japan, faces criticism from health experts. Training to expand stomach capacity is particularly controversial, with risks including gastric ruptures and seizures. In 2021, China banned competitive eating, and concerns about eating disorders persist. Chestnut acknowledges these risks, noting the importance of medical oversight in his career.
Looking Ahead
Now 40, Chestnut is mindful of his health, aiming to limit competitions and avoid significant weight fluctuations. “I have to make sure I stay away from any sugars, any kind of real starches,” he said, emphasizing his commitment to maintaining his health. Despite these challenges, Chestnut’s passion for eating remains undiminished. He is selective in his competitions, turning down events that focus on shock value rather than skill.
Chestnut’s love for food is evident, and he insists that the quality of food enhances his performance. “So long as they make it taste good, I’ll eat pretty much anything,” he stated, comparing the experience to a race car driver navigating a bad road. He hopes to be remembered as a joyful figure who embraced life’s opportunities. “Food brings everybody together,” he reflected, “and everybody’s happy.”
As he prepares to return to the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest, Chestnut remains a beloved figure in the world of competitive eating, a testament to his unique blend of talent, dedication, and sheer love for the sport.
