Joey 'Jaws' Chestnut, the 16-time Nathan's Famous Fourth of July hot dog eating champion, will not compete in this year's event due to a sponsorship conflict, leading him to face off against soldiers at a U.S. Army base in El Paso instead. With Chestnut absent, a new winner is anticipated among a diverse group of competitors from various states and countries, including Australia, Brazil, Japan, the United Kingdom, South Korea, and more, competing for the $10,000 prize. The traditional Brooklyn event, broadcasted live by ESPN, is expected to draw thousands of fans to witness the spectacle, with notable contenders like Geoffrey Esper and Miki Sudo vying for victory and potential new records in the men's and women's divisions.