By admin 
Fans are crushed as a beloved competitive eating champion, who went head-to-head with Joey Chestnut, has died. He was 49 years old.
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Tim Janus, a longtime competitive eating champion and “The Amazing Race” contestant, has passed away following a battle with cancer.
The competitive eating champion died “from complications following a long battle with cancer,” according to Major League Eating.
“Known for competing in a trademark face painted Viking mask, Janus spent 12 years in competitive eating, from 2006 to 2018, rising as high as No. 2 in world rankings and becoming one of the defining personalities of what participants called the sport’s “trophy era.” But competitive eating was only one expression of a life characterized by intense curiosity, unusual interests and a determination to pursue experiences simply because they fascinated him. Born in Simsbury, Connecticut, Janus grew up in Connecticut and graduated from Southern Methodist University with a degree in political science and public policy. He spent much of his adult life in New York City’s East Village,” Major League Eating announced.
Janus eventually rose to No. 2 in the world.
“Competing alongside Joey Chestnut, Japan’s Takeru Kobayashi, Sonya Thomas, Eric “Badlands” Booker, Crazy Legs Conti and Patrick Bertoletti, Janus eventually rose to the No. 2 world ranking behind Chestnut,” MLE shared.
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“His collection of titles reflected both his ability and the eccentric breadth of the sport. Janus became the world tiramisu-eating champion by consuming four pounds in six minutes, the world ramen noodle-eating champion with 10.5 pounds in eight minutes, and the world nigiri sushi-eating champion after eating 141 pieces in six minutes. He is credited with introducing the Alternative Beverage Movement to the sport, paving the way for his beloved lemonade or iced tea to sit tableside and for others to have the luxury of utilizing fruit punch and the like.”
Tributes are pouring in online
“He will be missed. Rest in peace to him,” one fan wrote.
“I remember this dude from MTV ‘True Life’ way back in the day lol 🤯 Wild,” one fan added.
“The hot dog tattoo on his arm is sending me. man really committed to the bit in every way possible,” one fan added.
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“RiP Eater X!” one fan added.
Our thoughts are with his friends and family members during this difficult time.
May he rest in peace.
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This story was originally published September 23, 2026 at 11:21 AM.