Tomorrow is Nathan’s Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest, and fans will have to stomach not seeing sixteen-time winner Joey Chestnut competing in the Coney Island competition this year.
The decision comes after Chestnut allegedly partnered with a competing brand to Nathan’s Famous.
But that hasn’t stopped Chestnut from competing in a “new” hotdog eating contest! Tomorrow Chestnut takes on a new challenge at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas. “Pop Goes the Fort” reimagines the classic hot dog eating contest with a patriotic flair, pitting America’s most famous competitive eater against the brave men and women of the U.S. Army.
The event, set against the backdrop of Fort Bliss’s military installation, promises to be a spectacle of both gastronomy and patriotism. Unlike the traditional 10-minute marathon at Coney Island, this contest will be a rapid-fire 5-minute sprint, adding an element of urgency to the already intense competition.
Chestnut, known for his incredible capacity to consume 70+ hot dogs in the Nathan’s Famous contest, will face off against four soldiers in a unique format. The 40-year-old champion will attempt to out-eat the combined total of his military opponents, showcasing not only his legendary eating prowess but also honoring the spirit of the armed forces.
The setting itself is a departure from the crowded boardwalk of Coney Island. Instead of seaside amusements, spectators – expected to number around 15,000, mostly soldiers and their families – will be surrounded by the sights and sounds of an active military base. The event will be further enhanced by performances from the El Paso Symphony Orchestra and the 1st Armored Division Band, blending competitive eating with a full-fledged patriotic celebration.
While the stakes may be different from the high-profile Nathan’s contest, the spirit of competition remains fierce. Chestnut has set the bar high for his amateur competitors, suggesting that if each soldier can “break ten, that’d be pretty good.” This challenge not only tests the eating abilities of the participating soldiers but also showcases the camaraderie between a civilian champion and military personnel.
Representatives for the U.S. Army’s Morale, Welfare and Recreation programs did not immediately respond on whether the event would be streamable for viewers across the country.
But, Chestnut enthusiasts who aren’t able to watch this patriotic showdown can wait until September, when Chestnut goes up against competitive-eating legend Kobayashi to settle their “Unfinished Beef.” The one-on-one challenge is set to stream on Netflix.