For the better part of the past two decades, the Fourth of July has meant one thing in the world of competitive eating: it’s Joey Chestnut’s time to shine.
Since 2007, the undisputed greatest hot dog consumer in the history of the sport has won 15 of the past 16 editions of the famous Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest, held annually on Coney Island. Given his track record, it’s no surprise that Chestnut enters the 2023 version as the heavy favorite. But the degree to which the 39-year-old is expected to lap the field again might scare even the most confident bettors away.
