Competitive eating champion Tim Janus, known as “Eater X,” has died at 49 after a long battle with cancer.
Janus died four days before Major League Eating announced his death on September 20. Neither his family nor MLE disclosed the type of cancer.
He competed professionally for more than a decade and rose to No. 2 in MLE’s world rankings behind Joey Chestnut. He held records for ramen, tiramisu and nigiri sushi, and finished second at the 2010 Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest.
Known for his Viking-style face paint and willingness to take on almost any food challenge, Janus once told Food Republic: “I’d eat a roll of pennies if I thought I could set a world record.”
He retired in 2016 after becoming concerned about the effect of competitive eating on his health.
“Deep down I’ve wondered how long-term stupid competing is for my health. I can’t ignore that feeling anymore,” he wrote on X.
Janus later joined the U.S. Foreign Service and was working in Mexico City. He also competed with Chestnut on The Amazing Race in 2018, where they finished eighth.
Crazy Legs Conti, his former roommate, said Janus lived life on his own terms.
“He was unique, brilliant and beloved by his friends. He lived his life on his own terms,” Conti said.
Janus was inducted into the Major League Eating Hall of Fame.
