Matt Stonie

Let's cut straight to the chase: Matthew Stonie won the 2015 Nathan's Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest. In doing so, The Boy King dethroned the man who had won it for the previous eight years, Joey Chestnut. Media outlets from Timbuktu to Kathmandu called it an upset but keen observers of our noble sport know that it is anything but. This win was the standout of his undefeated 2015 campaign. He has remained a constant force in competitive eating since this landmark achievement, choosing his events carefully and appearing to his adoring fans at select contests. Since turning pro in 2011 at the tender age of 19, Stonie has wowed all who have seen him eat. He is known for his out-of-the-gate speed, often leaping ahead of the competition and setting a gap of speed and distance. As he has matured as an athlete, he has been able to maintain this pace for the duration of each contest; his notable 2015 Nathan's Famous hot dog victory was a lesson in rhythm and consistency. There must be something in the water in San Jose, as the city first gave us Joey Chestnut now thrusts Matthew Stonie into the global competitive eating spotlight. (That city fathers have failed to erect a giant gold statue in their honor speaks volumes about the tone-deafness of municipal politicians. The people want this.) At last tally, his YouTube channel has over 16 million subscribers. But if you are reading this, you likely know that. You may or may not know that Maputo is the capital of Mozambique, though. That fact is unrelated to Matt Stonie. Not sure he's even been to Mozambique, if we are being honest.