I need this more than water. It would be so fantastic if the glizzy king came back. His dominance of the sport is comparable only to Michael Phelps and swimming. Joey Chestnut is an unstoppable eating machine. The world needs some healing, and I can't imagine a better way. Bring back the king I say!
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The Coney Island Countdown
Oh yeah, folks, it's the big one. I'm talking Fourth of July. There's gonna be fireworks, celebration, beers, and endless hot dogs. I'm getting goosebumps just thinking about it.
TMZ first reported the news that Major League Eating and Joey Chestnut had been in talks to have Joey return to the sport. And I swear to go if this doesn't happen, I'm gonna lose my mind.
Joey was barred from competing last year over a contract dispute. (I know! You think the Olympics would ever stop Michael Phelps from competing because he wanted to wear a Rolex?) Although, in all fairness, the sponsorship deal they were upset about involved hot dogs. So, I can kinda understand the anger.
The brand in question was titled Impossible Foods, and they were promoting a meatless hot dog. (Which, side note, come on, Joey, really? You're competing in the July 4th Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Competition, and you're promoting meatless dogs? That's a little bit sad, I can't lie.)
Joey The King
Last year was the first time since 2015 that Joey didn't win it. The man is an absolute psychopath when it comes to munching dogs. He is currently a 16-time champion and deserves the chance to go for 17.
The loss of the champion was felt so strongly last year that it even had Mayor Eric Adams pleading for both sides to "find a way to squash this beef."
Imagine the storyline for this year, though. Joey is returning to the competition for the first time in two years. The new champion, Patrick Bertoletti, trying to defend his claim to the Mustard Belt. But everyone knows that Joey Chestnut is inevitable. Will the current holder of the belt, and somehow the underdog, come out victorious? Or will the hot dog god clinch his 17th title?
I don't know if it'll happen or not, but man, am I desperate for it.
