The information that Joey Chestnut was out of the 2024 Nathan’s Scorching Canine Consuming Contest rocked the world of aggressive consuming. Chestnut, who has claimed victory on the eight earlier Nathan’s contests, nonetheless holds the document with 76 scorching canine eaten on the occasion and gained the competition in 2020 by a whopping 33-hot canine margin.
However on account of his partnership with Inconceivable Meals, Chestnut is out this yr.
Who can emerge from the remainder of the sector to select up the mantle?
It may be none aside from Geoffrey Esper.
Esper has completed second to Chestnut within the final three years, together with in 2023 when he completed second with 49 scorching canine consumed, 13 behind Chestnut. That was an enchancment from his efficiency in 2022 when he completed second to Chestnut with 47 scorching canine consumed.
Esper, who teaches electronics at Bay Path Regional Vocational Technical Excessive College in Charlton, Massachusetts, is the second-ranked aggressive eater on this planet. His listing of information and accomplishments on this planet of aggressive consuming consists of some unbelievable feats, together with consuming:
- 9.75 kilos of SPAM at “SPAMARAMA on the Circuit of the Americas in the course of the 2021 Method 1 United States Grand Prix in eight minutes;
- 95 two-ounce Market Avenue Tamales on the Lewisville Western Days Pageant in ten minutes;
- 17.75 bagels with cream cheese in eight minutes, and;
- 23.75 kilos of strawberry shortcake on the Mattituck Lions Membership Strawberry Pageant in eight minutes, which he completed final month.
Esper stays the world document holder within the strawberry shortcake class however in his thoughts, the Nathan’s contest is a a lot larger problem as a result of it takes greater than only a massive abdomen. “This isn’t as straightforward as different races like strawberry shortcakes the place whoever has the most important abdomen wins,” he mentioned just lately. “It’s important to focus on what you might be doing to eat a lot.”
With Chestnut sidelined, Esper believes he lastly has a shot on the title.“I undoubtedly have a shot this yr,” mentioned Esper just lately. However he is aware of the sector is extensive open with out the returning champion.
“[With Chesnut] not there, it modifications the dynamics of every thing. It’s going to be a good battle for first,” mentioned Esper.
Maybe lastly the bridesmaid will get an opportunity to be the bride on Thursday.
