What does it signify when a protester dressed as Darth Vader and with a sign reading “Expose Smithfield Death Star” disrupted Nathan’s hot dog eating contest?

With Joey Chestnut’s return to the competition, spectators were wondering who will triumph over him this time around.

As Joey and other contenders had been competing, a protestor ran to the stage and interpreted the event.

If you were there, you would have seen a protester storm the stage while holding a sign that read “expose Smithfield Death Star.”

What Is The Smithfield Death Star?

Sporting News reports that however, it seems as though he was hiding the “S,” so only “Smithfield” was discernible.

Sporting News reports that the protester was likely referring to Smithfield Foods, a controversial American pork producer and food processor headquartered in Smithfield, Virginia.

Who Won Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest?

Joey won the men’s division, and Miki Sudo took first place among the ladies. It was Joey’s 15th victory overall, counting his victory last year as well.

Joey was ahead of the game and won again, despite having to pause for a time when the protestor took the stage. The grand prize for the overall winner is $20,000.

The category winners receive $10,000. If you come in second, you’ll receive $5,000; if you come in third, $2,50; if you come in fourth, $1,500; and if you come in fifth, $1,000.

This annual competition takes place at New York’s Coney Island. Many residents of the city make the trip to see this show.

Where Was The Contest Held, Exactly?