Paige Spiranac is ready to fill Joey Chestnut’s prolific shoes.
Shortly after The Post reported Tuesday that Chestnut has been barred from participating in the July 4th Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest over a brand deal with a competitor, the longtime golf influencer volunteered for the annual event while touting her own stats.
“I’m available to fill in. My record is 6.5 hotdogs in 10 minutes,” Spiranac posted Tuesday on X in response to The Post’s news about Chestnut, who has won Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest 16 times.
The 31-year-old Spiranac followed up that message with “video proof” on Wednesday.
“I have found the video proof. And I lied it was only 6 hotdogs and not 6.5. I might have to try again this July 4th. Thoughts?” Spiranac shared with her one million followers on X.
Spiranac’s posts come as a “gutted” Chestnut digests the news that he is unable to compete in the Nathan’s contest after agreeing to a deal to represent Impossible Foods, a brand that recently launched a vegan hot dog.
“I was gutted to learn from the media that after 19 years Im banned from the Nathan’s July 4th Hot Dog Eating Contest. I love competing in that event, I love celebrating America with my fans all over this great country on the 4th and I have been training to defend my title,” Chestnut wrote Tuesday on X.
“… Sadly, this is the decision Nathan’s and Major League Eating are making, and it will deprive the great fans of the holiday’s usual joy and entertainment. To my fans, I love you and appreciate you. Rest assured that you’ll see me eat again soon!! STAY HUNGRY!”
Major League Eating (MLE) issued a statement on the matter, expressing they were “devastated” upon learning Chestnut “has chosen to represent a rival brand that sells plant-based hot dogs rather than competing in the 2024 Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest.
“… “For nearly two decades we have worked under the same basic hot dog exclusivity provisions. However, it seems that Joey and his managers have prioritized a new partnership with a different brand over our long-time relationship.”
Chestnut, who scarfed down a record 76 hot dogs in 2021, ate 62 in last year’s contest.
