If you’re just tuning into the annual Nathan’s Hot Dog contest and wondering why all the talk is about Geoff Esper and not Joey Chestnut, you’ve come to the right place.
For starters, Chestnut is not in this year’s competition. The competitive eating star and Major League Eating started beefing (sorry, not sorry) over Chestnut’s sponsorship with Impossible Foods to promote a plant-based hot dog. Understandably, that was not going to fly in an all-beef wiener contest.
With Chestnut out of this year’s competition, that made Esper the clear favorite to win at most sportsbooks.
Which brings us back to our original question: Who is Geoff Esper?
Let’s get you caught up with these five facts.
1. Geoff Esper is a 49-year-old school teacher
Teacher by day, competitive eater also by day.
Esper, who hails from Oxford, Massachusetts teaches electronics at Bay Path Regional Vocational Technical High School in Charlton about 60 miles west of Boston.
2. Esper holds 19 Major League Eating record
The list of Esper’s accomplishments is certainly impressive — among other adjectives.
Some of his records just don’t even seem possible:
- 32.25 4oz egg roles in 8 minutes
- 17.75 Bagels with Cream Cheese in 8 minutes
- 281 Hooters Wings in 10 minutes
- 23.75 lbs Strawberry Shortcake in 8 minutes
- 9.75 pounds of SPAM (from the can) in 8 minutes
We absolutely cannot advise anyone try to beat these numbers at home.
3. Esper finished second to Chestnut at the Nathan’s contest in 2023
It’s a bummer we won’t get to see these two go head-to-head again this Fourth of July. While Chestnut finished with 62, Esper ate 49 hot dogs and buns.
The race for second place may actually have been more exciting last year than Chestnut’s sprint for first. Second and fourth place were separated by just four hot dogs.
4. Esper’s personal best for hot dogs is 51
Will Esper set a new personal record this week? If not, will 51 be enough to win the famed Coney Island contest?
5. Esper has three preferred beverages when competing
Esper told Food Challenge News in February 2023 that his preference is Blue Powerade, Crystal Light Fruit Punch or warm water, but it depends on the type of food he’s eating.
