Was there any doubt that Joey Chesnut would win the July 4th Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest? He's won the thing 15 times. He's has the world record at 76 hot dogs in 10 minutes, 12.5 more hot dogs than anyone else in the competition has ever eaten. But this 4th of July would be different.
He came into the day on crutches with his foot in cast as he recovers from a ruptured Achilles tendon. But that's a leg injury, it shouldn't affect his eating ability. There was something however no one expected. Something else that would come into play during the competition that may have played in a role in his outcome. Something that has never happened before.
As Joey had just finished his 17th hot dog, a protester stormed the stage and pushed Joey aside to be in the forefront. This must have caught security off guard, but not Joey Chesnut, who immediately put the man in a choke hold, and tossed him aside with the greatest of ease. Then he went back and ate 46 more hot dogs. He finished with 63 and easily won, yet again.
Joey Chesnut, hot dog eating legend...and now "American Badass." He could have let security handle it, but no, Joey Chesnut choked a dude for messing with his meal time. Who was this protester, and what was his cause...who cares? What we do know is that you don't get in the way of someone who has a goal and is determined at meal time.