Official Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Competition Preview

If you are a fan of competitive sports, than this July 4th, forget about the baseball games, the NBA Draft, the NHL (are they still playing?), and you can tape the Arena football games if you really need to. Instead, you need to tune into the single event that really symbolizes our nations Independence.
Of Course, here at MDEF2, we have your preview ready. Now you can impress your friends with all the info on your favorite eaters.


Takeru Kobayashi: The Legend. No single man has changed the world of hot dog eating since Babe Ruth ate a dozen dogs between games of a double header. This Japanese Phenom has won the last six years straight. This year he is closing in on Lance Armstrong-like dominance. However, with recent injuries to his jaw, he is certainly not in his top form. Look for an upset this year.

Joey Chestnut: The Pride of the USA. After watching the Japanese steal the one thing our nation is best at (eating way too much), one man stood up to rise to the challenge. If Japans invasion of the Hot Dog Contest is Pearl Harbor, than this man is our A-Bomb. This bomb was dropped a few weeks ago when he broke Kobayashi's record, with an astounding 59.5 dogs in just 12 minutes. Chestnut's our man, and we will all be behind him this year.


Sonya Thomas: The Black Widow. Yes, ladies are involved, and this 105 pound wonder is no slouch. The Elissa Steamer of competitive eating has her share of world records, including chicken nuggets and fruitcake. If it wasn't for the big two, she would be a perennial winner. Instead, she will most likely lead a close pack, and take third place yet again.


Tim "Eater X" Janus: Although little is known about this man and where his origins are. However, it is known that he consumes food quickly, possibly at super-human rates. He has been spotted on MTV's "True Life: I'm a competitive eater," and later on Discovery Channel's "Cash Cab." By definition, he is a mystery, and what he can do this year is totally unknown.



Patrick Bertoletti: One of the "Young Guns." Like Poker with "The Crew" of young talent, Bertoletti has been spotted chilling with Chestnut. Although not quite in the league of the laders, Patrick is coming up strong, and has the most potential of anybody. The best part, his narsty mohawk and his tendency to dress like Travis from Taxi Driver. Watch out for this Bad Ass Eater (BAE for short).



Eric "Badlands" Booker: This man is in a league all his own. Not for his eating talent, in reality he is just a fat guy and is not a real threat, but for his off the field antics. To date, he has released 3 full-length rap albums. They're hot, no doubt. Badlands might not even show up this year, for he is currently touring around the country.

Well, those are all the heavy hitters in the world of competitive eating. Of course, there are always the unknowns and Cinderella stories, I think we all remember Cookie Jarvis in '02. So look out for Crazy Legs Conti, Rich LaFevre, and all the other eaters out there. And to all the young eaters out there, follow your dreams, and never give up. And, oh yeah, if you throw up it doesn't count.