Image via Complex Original
As July 4th kicks off, we celebrate both our countries independence and the supreme athletic competition that is the annual Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest. The sport has developed over the years into somewhat of a mini marvel as many of the games best like champion Joey Chestnut and Takeru Kobayashi scarf down 60 hot dogs and are such small men in stature. One of the most epic parts of these competitions however has little to do with the number of dogs eaten, but more on the human emotions and lack of in-game etiquette these guys and gals let out as they struggle for the victory. We've compiled a list of some of the nastiest and downright scary moments from previous years at the contest from fan favorites like Ed "Cookie" Jarvis, Eric "Badlands" Booker, and of course female dynamo Sonya "Black Widow" Thomas. Enjoy our GIF Gallery: The Worst of the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest.
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Cookie Jarvis About To Blow
Year: 2004
The best moment in every hot dog eating competition, when some guy is inches away from blowing an incredible amount of chunks.
Deep Dish Bertoletti Channels Cannibal Axe Murderer
Year: 2012
Patrick Bertoletti uses the intimidation factor to beat his opponents, that or he really likes ketchup.
Badlands Booker Eating to the Beat
Year: 2012
Some don't know it, but Badlands Booker actually is a rapper and train conductor on the side. He's probably jamming out to his own stuff during competition.
Ben Monson Takes His Time
Year: 2010
Thought this was a timed competition bro, ROY my foot.
Kobayashi Throwing It Down
Year: 2007
Probably shouldn't have been allowed, but Kobayashi stuffs it down at the end of the 2007 contest. He changed the game with his dominant skinny guy run before Joey Chestnut's current reighn.
Cookie Jarvis Chomping Away
Year: 2005
Jarvis looks like he's having dinner with the family.
Black Widow Trying to Keep It Down
Year: 2012
Coolest nickname in the sport, Black Widow is leading the pack for female compeitive eaters. Little lady, ton of stomach space.
Chestnut Takes Out Kobayashi
Year: 2008
Down goes Kobayashi! Down Goes Kobayashi. This would be the second of six consecutive titles for Joey Chestnut.
Old School Struggle
Year: 1989
Looks like he just thought about the first three minutes of competition.
Joey Chestnut Doing Work
Year: 2012
Peep the struggle face at the height of his dominance, Chestnut is our competitive eating hero.