‘I Love Things That Are Absurd.’ Meet the Man Who Turned Nathan’s Hot Dog-Eating Contest Into a National Obsession

Every year, the Nathan’s Famous 4th of July International Hot Dog-Eating Contest draws nearly 25,000 people to Coney Island, N.Y., while over a million viewers tune in to ESPN's live coverage, all to watch 20 competitors eat as many hot dogs as they can in 10 minutes.

Besides the competitors, there's another draw: George Shea—the event's host, or Master of Ceremonies—who delivers a series of verbose, outlandish and occasionally inspired introductions of the competitors.