The 4th of July; the day where we celebrate our freedom as Americans by kicking back, cracking open a cold one, and watching multiple grown men stuff their faces with hot dogs. It’s electric and part of the reason that the U.S. is the best nation in the world. One man is synonymous with the Coney Island Hot Dog Eating Contest. That man, is Joey Chestnut.
The Rise Of Joey Jaws
Chestnut grew up in Kentucky and attended college at San Jose State. While attending SJSU, Chestnut roomed with an offensive lineman on the Spartans’ football team. If it weren’t for his college roommate, Chestnut may have never gotten into competitive eating. He told me on the My Parents Office Podcast when I interviewed him that his roommate noticed he had a big appetite and invited him to a burrito spot near campus. He took on a burrito challenge at the establishment and absolutely buried it.
This is where Joey Jaws began.
In college, he came on the scene competing in various competitions. 2005, was his coming out year as he won a deep fried asparagus contest as he ate 6.3 pounds of it. When I spoke with him, he stated that he had stinky piss for the next few days. He entered the Coney Island Hot Dog eating contest and took third when he ate 32 dogs. He would go onto compete in a handful of other oddball eating challenges as he ate 32.5 grilled cheeses and 91 Krystal Burgers. Chestnut truly was a star.
Chestnut’s Loaded Trophy Case
While many Americans know Chestnut for his performances at the Coney Island Hot Dog Contest, he holds over 45 other records.
2007
Chicken Wings (182), Krystal hamburgers (103), Kolaches (56), Pulled Pork Sandwiches (45)
2008
Steak (72 oz.)
2009
Funnel Cake (5.9 lb)
2011
Philly Cheesesteaks (23)
Pizza Hut P’Zones (7.5 lb)
Salt Potatoes (13 lb)
Taco Bell Soft Tacos (53)
2012
Corned Beef Sandwiches (20)
Tamales (102)
2013
Apple Pies (4.38)
Brain Tacos (54)
Hard Boiled Eggs (141)
Pastrami Sandwiches (25)
Pork Ribs (13.7 lb)
Twinkies (121) WHAT!!
2014
Deep Fried Asparagus (12.8 lb)
Fish Tacos (30)
Gyoza (384)
Pierogi (165)
Pulled Pork Sliders (62)
Whole Turkeys (9.35 lb)
2015
Gumbo (15 bowls)
2016
Boysenberry Pie (14.5 lb)
Burritos (14.5)
Gyros (30)
Meat Pies (23)
2017
Glazed Donuts (55)
Tacos (126)
White Hut Cheeseburgers (52). This one speaks to me because my grandfather and I used to goto White Hut all the time before he passed, and God damn are those burgers outstanding. Honestly, 52 is a lot, but on a good night, I could probably bury 25 with ease. They’re so delicious.
2018
Hostess Donettes (257)
Nathans Hot Dogs (75)
Ice Cream Sandwiches (25.5)
Mutton Sandwiches (81)
San Pedro Fish Market Shrimp (7 lb)
Shrimp Cocktail (18 lb)
2019
Croquettes (185)
Pepperoni Rolls (43)
Canteen Sandwiches (28.5)
2 Foot Pizza Slices (6.5 lb)
Pork Roll Sandwiches (61.5)
Carnitas Tacos (82)
Poutine (28 lb)
Grilled Cheese Sandwiches (47)
2020
McDonald’s Big Macs (32)
Red Beans and Rice (39.5 bowls)
2021
Nathan’s Hot Dogs (76)
Chestnut is a freaking machine. No other athlete, and yes I said athlete, could hold this many records in his or her sport. What a beast.
The Nathan’s Hot Dog Contest And Chestnut’s Dominance
The Nathan’s Hot Dog Contest has been held on July 4th every year since 1972 at the same location in Coney Island. It’s claimed that the hot dog eating contest was adopted by Americans in 1916. Apparently, four immigrants wanted to see who was most Patriotic. So, naturally, the four immigrants had a hot dog eating contest at Nathan’s Famous stand on Coney Island to settle their dispute. Honestly, I don’t care if this is a fake claim, I absolutely love it.
Chestnut entered his first Nathans Contest in 2005 and lost to Takeru Kobayashi who won from 2001-2006. 2007 was the year that Chestnut put an end to Kobayashis reign. And not only did Chestnut stop Kobayashis reign, he created an unmatched dynasty for himself. He rattled off 15 straight championships and hasn’t lost since 2007. In 2021, Chestnut broke his old record of 75 hot dogs by eating a whooping 76. It was pure electricity.
2022 Nathan’s Hot Dog Contest
There was a lot of hype around the 2022 contest. There was even more intrigue around how Chestnut would perform. He hobbled out of his van on crutches with a cast on his right leg. Many questions circulated; “will this be a detriment to his technique?”, “will his dynasty come to an end?” All of these are fair observations and questions to raise. Well, he blew those out of the water when he mauled 63 hot dogs and won by a margin of 20.
This was also a notable contest because some protestor decided to give Chestnut the body as he stormed the stage. Chestnut didn’t take too kindly to being pushed. Once he realized what was occurring, he head locked the perpetrator and whipped him to the ground. It was awesome.
This wasn’t the first time protestors attempted to highjack this patriotic event. In 2016, Barstools own Big Cat joined the contest and was doused in fake blood by a member of PETA. Just absolutely wild stuff.
All in all, we have to tip or cap to Joey Chestnut. He’s the most decorated athlete to ever walk the planet and continues to dominate year after year after year. He’s the quintessential GOAT.
