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\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n Former contestant on The Amazing Race, <\/em>Tim Janus<\/strong><\/a>, who was also a competitive eater, has sadly died.<\/p>\n He was known on the competitive eating circuit as Eater X<\/strong>, and his publicist confirmed he had faced a \u201clong battle with cancer.\u201d<\/p>\n The statement continued<\/a>, \u201cKnown for competing in a trademark face painted Viking mask, Janus spent 12 years in competitive eating, from 2006 to 2018, rising as high as No. 2 in world rankings and becoming one of the defining personalities of what participants called the sport\u2019s \u2018trophy era.\u2019 But competitive eating was only one expression of a life characterized by intense curiosity, unusual interests and a determination to pursue experiences simply because they fascinated him.\u201d<\/p>\n They added, \u201cJanus entered competitive eating in 2006 and quickly established himself among the elite competitors in the world. His career coincided with what became known as the \u2018trophy era,\u2019 a period when competitors crisscrossed the country pursuing obscure and highly specific food championships, often for little or no prize money beyond a title, a trophy and the distinction of being able to call oneself a world champion.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTim followed his own passions and dreams without regard for the pressures or expectations of society,\u201d Crazy Legs Conti<\/strong>, Janus<\/strong>\u2019s former roommate and a former world oyster-eating champion, said in a statement. \u201cHe was unique, brilliant and beloved by his friends. He lived his life on his own terms.\u201d <\/p>\n Our condolences go out to Tim Janus<\/strong>\u2018 friends, family, and loved ones.<\/p>\n Posted To:Tim Janus<\/a><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n![\"Tim](\"https:\/\/www.justjared.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/tim-janus-dead1-788x509.jpg\")
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