Five eaters who could win Nathan's Hot Dog Contest, now that Joey Chestnut is out

Unless you've been living under a rock -- or aren't into sports -- it's hard not to have heard about the Joey Chestnut situation. If you haven't though, Chestnut, who has dominated the competition for years, essentially self-banned from Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest after signing a sponsorship agreement with competing brand, Impossible Foods. He's also following this up with a one-on-one eating competition against another former champion, Kobayashi -- but on Netflix, over Labor Day.

Now, the question on the minds of many is who will hoist the belt for this year's competition. Here at Guilty Eats, we have compiled a list of five professional eaters who could take home the title in 2024.

1. Geoffrey Esper

Although he is 49 years old, Esper is no slouch. When he isn't teaching at a high school, he is destroying all varieties of food, including records with egg rolls and spam. Last year, he came in second to Chestnut 62 to 49, buns included. Now, the 2nd-ranked competitive eater and Massachusetts native looks towards an event that could to be his for the taking.

2. James Webb

Hailing from Australia, Webb was the first from his country to make their way to Coney Island for the competition. Now, fresh off a record-breaking 70 glazed doughnuts in an 8-minute performance during the Salvation Army National Doughnut Day celebration, the Aussie sets his sights on taking home the Mustard Belt.

3. Gideon Oji

Does height give you an advantage when competitively eating? Gideon Oji thinks so. The former college basketball player who stands at an imposing 6'9" hopes that his frame will allow him to hold down the necessary amount of hot dogs to win the mustard belt. Oji also holds records in baked beans and kale.

4. Nick Wehry

A rising star in the sport, Tampa native Wehry brings a competitive drive that dates back to his body-building days. One of his biggest accomplishments in his career thus far is the world record of 50 hard-boiled eggs in 3 minutes. In addition to this, he is married to the #1 eater on the women's side, Miki Sudo, who is probably providing him pointers for the competition.

5. Bartley Weaver IV

From one Tampa native to another, Bartley Weaver IV is a longshot for the Mustard Belt this year. Despite not having any world records to his name, he hopes his body-builder physique will help him pull off a stunning victory. Does the former Tennessee Titans "Hyperion" mascot have it in him?