Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest Continues Without Its Star Diner On July 4th, the annual Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest took place in Coney Island, New York, without its star performer, Joey Chestnut. Chestnut, who has won the contest 14 times, has been the dominant force in competitive eating for over a decade. His absence this year came as a surprise to many, as he has been a fixture at the event since 2007. Despite Chestnut’s absence, the contest went on with a roster of top-ranked eaters. The winner this year was Geoffrey Esper, who consumed 74 hot dogs in 10 minutes, breaking the previous record set by Chestnut in 2020. Esper’s victory marked the first time in 11 years that Chestnut had not won the competition. It also represented a changing of the guard in the world of competitive eating, with younger eaters like Esper emerging as potential challengers to Chestnut’s reign. The absence of Chestnut at this year’s contest raised questions about the future of the event. Some fans argued that without its star attraction, the competition would lose its appeal. Others, however, welcomed the opportunity for new eaters to shine and for the contest to evolve. Nathan’s Famous, the sponsor of the contest, said it was disappointed that Chestnut was unable to participate but expressed confidence that the event would continue to thrive. “Joey Chestnut is a legend in the competitive eating world, and we will miss having him at this year’s contest,” said Phil McCann, vice president of marketing for Nathan’s Famous. “However, we are excited about the future of the competition and believe that Geoffrey Esper and other rising stars will bring their own unique energy and excitement to the event.” Whether or not Chestnut returns to the Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest in the future remains to be seen. However, the 2021 event demonstrated that the competition can continue to generate interest and excitement even without its legendary diner.Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest Persists Sans Star Diner The famed Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest returned to Coney Island on Monday, but without its reigning champion. Joey Chestnut, who devoured a record-breaking 76 hot dogs in 10 minutes last year, withdrew from the competition due to an injury. Despite his absence, the contest still attracted a formidable field of competitive eaters. The eventual winner, Geoffrey Esper, consumed a remarkable 50 hot dogs, but it was far short of Chestnut’s previous mark. The outcome raised questions about the future of the contest without its dominant figure. Some experts believe that the contest will continue to draw a large audience even without Chestnut, as it has become a beloved American tradition. Others argue that his absence could diminish the spectacle and attract less attention. The Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest has been held annually since 1916, showcasing the extreme eating abilities of professional competitors. It has become a popular event that draws thousands of spectators and is broadcast nationwide. The organizers of the contest have not yet commented on the impact of Chestnut’s absence on its future, but they remain optimistic about the event’s continued success.