Joey Chestnut Biography | Marriage, Wife and Salary

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<p>Joey Chestnut is an American competitive <a href="/biography/joey-chestnut">eater</a> best known for being consistently ranked as the top eater in the world by Major League Eating.</p>

<h2>Background and Early Life</h2>

<p>Joseph Christian "<a href="/biography/joey-chestnut">Joey" Chestnut</a> was born on November 25, 1983, in Fulton County, Kentucky. His parents separated when he was two years old, and he was primarily raised by his mother. She worked at a local café to support the family and ensure Joey received a solid education. He later enrolled at San Jose State University in California.</p>

<p>Chestnut often credits his mother's home cooking for nurturing his early interest in food. This enthusiasm eventually evolved into a competitive pursuit. During his time at San Jose State, Chestnut began training for food competitions using a diet that helped expand his stomach capacity, which included milk, protein, and water regimens.</p>

<h2>Start of Competitive Eating Career</h2>

<p>In 2005, Joey Chestnut made his debut in the competitive eating arena at the Deep Fried Asparagus Championship in Stockton, California. Despite being a newcomer, he made an immediate impact by defeating veteran <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rich_LeFevre">eater</a> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rich_LeFevre">Rich LeFevre</a>, consuming an impressive 6.3 pounds of asparagus in just 11.5 minutes. This marked the beginning of what would become a world-renowned career.</p>

<p>Later that year, he entered the World Grilled Cheese Eating Championship and set a new world record by eating 32.5 grilled cheese sandwiches in just 10 minutes, finishing in third place overall. Quickly gaining recognition, he emerged as a worthy rival to long-standing <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Takeru_Kobayashi">champion</a> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Takeru_Kobayashi">Takeru Kobayashi</a>, particularly in hot dog competitions and other food events.</p>

<h2>Joey Chestnut vs. <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Takeru_Kobayashi">Takeru Kobayashi</a></h2>

<p>Joey Chestnut and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Takeru_Kobayashi">Takeru Kobayashi</a>'s rivalry became one of the most prominent in competitive eating history. Chestnut continued to push <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Takeru_Kobayashi">Kobayashi</a> to his limits in various events, although he initially fell short in challenges like hot dog and bratwurst eating competitions.</p>

<p>However, in 2007, Chestnut broke <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Takeru_Kobayashi">Kobayashi</a>’s six-year winning streak in Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest. Chestnut consumed 66 hot dogs to <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Takeru_Kobayashi">Kobayashi</a>’s 63, setting a new world record. That same year, he also won Philadelphia’s Wing Bowl XV by eating 182 chicken wings in 30 minutes and consumed 103 <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krystal_(restaurant)">Krystal</a> burgers in 8 minutes to set another world record at the World Hamburger Eating Championship in Tennessee.</p>

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<h2>Career Achievements and Net Worth</h2>

<p>Joey Chestnut has continued to dominate competitive eating with numerous records covering a variety of foods, from hot dogs and hamburgers to chicken wings and tacos. Over the years, he has consistently appeared at Major League Eating events, reinforcing his reputation as an elite-level competitor and a recognizable figure in sports entertainment.</p>

<p>As of recent estimates, Joey Chestnut’s net worth is reported to be around $2.5 million, amassed through competition winnings, endorsements, and media appearances. His sustained track record at high-profile events—particularly the annual Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest broadcast on ESPN—has made him a household name in the United States and internationally.</p>

<h2>Personal Life</h2>

<p>In 2014, Chestnut proposed to longtime girlfriend Neslie Ricasa during a live event. Although the couple was engaged, the relationship ended in 2015 before the wedding could take place. While Joey Chestnut has kept his personal life relatively private since the breakup, he is currently believed to be single.</p>

<p>His life and career continue to draw attention, particularly with additional exposure from documentaries and media coverage, including features on ESPN that have contributed to increasing his popularity beyond the world of competitive eating.</p>

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