The Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest was as festive as ever on July 4, despite the notable omission of 16-time champion Joey Chestnut .
The build-up to the annual competitive eating competition received huge publicity after it was announced that Chestnut would not defend his crown at the event this year. Chestnut signed with Impossible Foods following the expiry of his current Major League Eating deal, and Nathan's stated he couldn't compete due to endorsing a rival brand.
Fans called for Nathan's to reverse their decision and even threatened to boycott the event if Chestnut didn't compete, with many feeling as though the eating icon was the main attraction. Despite the initial threats, it was at full capacity on the big day and everyone was in good spirits.
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Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest host George Shea decided to address the elephant in the room before the contest began, choosing to be transparent with fans while sending a clear message to Chestnut. "It was a surprise to us, we tried to resolve it," Shea said live on stage before the first event.
"We love Joey Chestnut. I love Joey Chestnut more than anyone here! I would take a bullet for Joey. He is welcome here, he is always welcome. He was welcome this year and he is welcome next [year]. He is a great champion.
"However, his choice not to be here opens up a field for a really hard-fought contest this year. Four eaters going for No. 1. Geoffrey Esper, James Webb, Patrick Bertoletti, and Nick Wehry." Shea then got the crowd to start chanting "Joey" as he showed support for the 16-time champion.
It was Bertoletti who ended up winning the event, eating 58 hot dogs in 10 minutes as he edged Esper, Webb, and Wehry who all ate over 50 on Thursday. Webb has dominated in eating contests over the past six months but couldn't do enough to win at Nathan's and admitted something was missing without Chestnut.
"It was a weird one, different vibe this year. But great to be a part of, awesome contest," Webb told Mirror Sports U.S. after finishing third in the contest. "It was a little bit tense, but also we all felt like we had a point to prove. I think we did today, there were some good numbers. Joey or no Joey, what an event, Fourth of July."
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Webb was understandably frustrated that he couldn't capitalize on Chestnut's absence and revealed that hot dogs aren't common in his native Australia which makes preparations more difficult. Many U.S. competitors take part in warm-up contests, but for Webb to practice he has to do it alone.
"Look, coming from Australia we don’t eat that many hot dogs so you can only train hot dogs here. I’ll catch up, I’ll get there," he added. "This is only my third season and I’ve got a few big contests coming up. Ribs, poutine, we will get it back.
"I am very full. I won’t be eating for a couple of days. I’m going to sleep for at least 12 hours now and worry about that tomorrow."
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