Competitive Eating Champ Tim Janus Dies at 49

Competitive eating star Tim Janus, also known as Eater X, has died at 49. His publicist confirmed his passing on September 16, stating it was due to complications from a long battle with cancer. Janus was a significant personality in the competitive eating world for 12 years, from 2006 to 2018. He achieved a world ranking of No. 2 and was inducted into the Major League Eating Hall of Fame in 2016.

Janus was renowned for his Viking mask and numerous championship titles, including the world ramen eating championship and the nigiri world eating championship. He also notably participated in the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest. Beyond eating, he was recognized for introducing the Alternative Beverage Movement to the sport. Janus also demonstrated his versatility on television, appearing on 'The Amazing Race' and winning a record $1,600 on 'Cash Cab' and $100,000 on 'Who Wants to Be a Millionaire'. He had been accepted into the United States Foreign Service shortly before his illness.