General | July 11, 2023

MORROW, Ga. – Clayton State University men's basketball alumnus Gideon Oji competed in the 2023 Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest on the Fourth of July in New York City.
 
Oji, standing at 6-9, making him the tallest competitive eater in the sport's history, is no stranger to the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating contest as he has competed regularly in this annual event since 2015.  This season, he took home sixth place, chowing down 36 hot dogs.  This was the best finish for Gideon since he finished fourth in 2016.  Currently, Oji is ranked seventh in the world, according to the latest Major League Eating (MLE) rankings. 
 
In his illustrious competitive eating career, Oji has made history holding various world records. His world records include eating ten pounds of baked beans in a minute and 45 seconds, eating 1.3125 gallons of green chili stew in six minutes, eating 25.5 16oz chopped kale salads in eight minutes, and consuming two pounds of sliced bologna in 52 seconds. 
 
Gideon Oji played for the Clayton State men's basketball team from 2013-15.  In his two seasons, he played in 18 games, grabbed 21 rebounds, and shot 36% from the field.  In addition, he shot 75% from the free throw line. 
 
Below is how Oji has fared in the Hot Dog Eating Contest since 2015
 
2023: Sixth place (36 hot dogs)
2022: Seventh place (29 hot dogs)
2021: Seventh place (29 hot dogs)
2020: No contest (COVID-19)
2019: Seventh place (36 hot dogs)
2018: Sixth place (37.5 hot dogs)
2017: Sixth place (36 hot dogs)
2016: Fourth place (38 hot dogs)
2015: 14^th place (19 hot dogs)
 
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