JOEY CHESTNUT is a competitive eater who is defending his title at Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest on July 4, 2023.
The star rose to fame in 2007 when he dethroned six-time defending champ Takeru Kobayashi at the annual event and, since then, he has only lost once in 2015.
Who is Joey Chestnut?
Joey was born on November 25, 1983, in Fulton County, Kentucky.
As of 2023, he is ranked first in the world by Major League Eating – a group that organizes professional competitive eating events and television specials.
Chestnut's first Nathan's Hot Dog Eating championship was in 2007.
He beat six-time defending champ Takeru "Tsunami" Kobayashi consuming a record-breaking 66 hot dogs and buns.
In July 2009, he set a new world record by downing 68 hot dogs and went on to break his record again in 2013 after consuming 69.
Chestnut again broke his own contest record in 2020, consuming an astounding 75 hot dogs.
If he wins again on July 4, 2023, Chestnut will have won the contest a whopping 16 times.
Joey was once engaged to Neslie Ricasa, and he actually proposed to her at the 2014 Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest.
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The pair split before their wedding day and Neslie is now married to Drew Ely, who she shares two children with.
What is Joey Chestnut's net worth?
As of July 2023, Chestnut has an estimated net worth of $4million.
He is likely to have amassed this fortune from his career earnings and other business ventures.
Chestnut has a line of condiments sold under his name which includes mustard, dipping sauce, coney sauce, hot sauce, and more.
How many hotdogs did Joey Chestnut eat during the 2022 Hot Dog eating contest?
Chestnut was not able to set a new world record at the 2022 contest, but he was still able to put on an impressive show.
On the way to his 15th title, he was able to consume 63 hot dogs and buns.
However, the title did not come without a fight.
According to Fox News, the champ was interrupted by protesters about halfway through the 10-minute event.
Chestnut reportedly grabbed a man around the neck and helped pull him to the ground before returning to his position.
One fan told the media outlet: "Joey was on a record pace. We should have witnessed history.
"That guy totally messed with [Joey’s] momentum."
A man was arrested shortly after the altercation, Fox News reported.
Ahead of the 2023 contest, Joey said he has been preparing for the event "since birth".
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He told The US Sun: "I'm feeling pretty awesome – so much better than last year.
"I'm healthy and as active as can be…I'm hungry."
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