Competitive eater and “Amazing Race” contestant Tim Janus has died from complications connected to cancer. He was 49.
Major League Eating reported that the competitor from Connecticut lost his “long battle” last week.
“Janus entered competitive eating in 2006 and quickly established himself among the elite competitors in the world,” the organization said. “His career coincided with what became known as the ‘trophy era,’ a period when competitors crisscrossed the country pursuing obscure and highly specific food championships, often for little or no prize money beyond a title, a trophy and the distinction of being able to call oneself a world champion.”
He competed with the likes of Joey Chestnut and Takeru Kobayashi, and was at one point the nation’s second ranked competitive behind Chestnut, who has won the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest on Coney Island 18 times.
Janus’ eating talents weren’t limited to hot dogs.
The man who competed as “Eater X” while wearing face paint is said to have been world tiramisu-eating champion, world ramen noodle-eating champion and world nigiri sushi-eating champion, consuming 141 pieces in six minutes.
He also competed in 2018 on the CBS reality competition “Amazing Race” with Chestnut.
In 2009, Janus won $100,000 on “Who Wants to be a Millionaire.” He also competed on “Cash Cab,” according to his obituary.
The longtime East Village resident is survived by both of his parents and a sister. A celebration of life is planned for next month in New York City.
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