Hot dog, glizzy, meat pipe: they’re all one in the same, but on today’s celebration of Independence Day for the United States, they’re public enemy No. 1.
The Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest, the preeminent competitive eating competition, has become a time-honored tradition on July 4 since the 1970s. But without Joey Chestnut, the GOAT of competitive eating, the event has been sapped of its star power. The drama of a newcomer claiming the throne will be sure to create some intrigue, but without Chestnut, the toppling of records or the draw of a potential upset has gone down the drain along with the hot-dog-flavored water.