As the annual Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest approaches on July 4th, all eyes are on the potential clash between the reigning champion, Joey Chestnut, and a rising star from Indiana. Cameron Meade, a 21-year-old from Northwest Indiana, is preparing to challenge Chestnut, armed with youthful energy and a determined mindset.

Meade's journey into the world of competitive eating began during his time at IU Bloomington, where his friends were astonished by his prodigious appetite in the dining hall. This led to a series of eating challenges at local buffets, culminating in a TikTok account, "Cam Eats," and offers of $500 to anyone who could out-eat him. After successfully defending his title in eight contests, Meade's friends encouraged him to enter the Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest qualifier, where he placed high enough to earn a spot in the main event.

Now, Meade is ready to take on the legendary Joey Chestnut, who has dominated the competition for years. Chestnut's absence in 2024 due to a conflict with a rival brand gave others a chance to shine, but he is expected to return this year, adding to the pressure on the young challenger. In 2021, Chestnut set the current record of 76 hot dogs in 10 minutes.

Meade has been training diligently, consuming mid-30s worth of hot dogs in practice rounds. He employs a specific strategy, splitting the hot dog in half and dunking the bun in water to make it easier to swallow. He is also working with Miki Sudo, a 10-time champion and the number one female eater in the world, who has provided invaluable advice and support.

To prepare for the contest, Meade fasts for two to three days beforehand, consuming only water, tea, and electrolytes. He also focuses on expanding his stomach by chugging water and engaging in cardio to manage the massive caloric intake.

When asked about the possibility of getting sick after consuming so many hot dogs, Meade confidently stated, "I'm not getting sick afterward no". He attributes his quick recovery to his young age, claiming to be the youngest competitor by a significant margin. He also emphasizes the importance of walking and staying active after the contest to aid digestion. "I try to walk as much as I can to not just let all that food build up in my stomach," he explained. While admitting he gets a little tired of hot dogs sometimes, he maintains that Nathan's hot dogs are "really good".

The Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest is set to take place on July 4th at Coney Island in New York City.