In a surprising turn of events, Joey Chestnut, the reigning champion of the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Competition, has been banned from participating in the 2024 edition of the iconic event. The reason? His recent partnership with Impossible Foods, a leading plant-based meat alternative company, to promote their new vegan frankfurters.
According to a report from the New York Post, Major League Eating (MLE) and Nathan’s Famous revealed their decision to exclude Chestnut from the July 4, 2024 contest due to his endorsement of a “rival brand.” The 16-time champion had struck a deal with Impossible Foods for an ad campaign surrounding the launch of their vegan hot dog impostor made from plants.
“We are devastated to learn that Joey Chestnut has chosen to represent a rival brand that sells plant-based hot dogs rather than competing in the 2024 Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest,” a representative from Major League Eating stated.
The organization further explained that they had gone to great lengths to accommodate Chestnut and his management team, agreeing to an appearance fee and allowing him to compete in a rival, unbranded hot dog eating contest on Labor Day.
“For nearly two decades, we have worked under the same basic hot dog exclusivity provisions. However, it seems that Joey and his managers have prioritized a new partnership with a different brand over our long-time relationship,” they added.
Despite the disappointment, MLE expressed their desire for Chestnut to return to the competition in 2025 when he is no longer representing a “rival brand.”
Chestnut’s absence from the 2024 event will undoubtedly be a significant blow to the competition, as he has dominated the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest for years. According to Nathan’s website, the professional eater has won every event since 2007, with the exception of 2015, when he narrowly missed the top spot by just two hot dogs but still managed to consume an impressive 60 during the event.
As of now, Chestnut has not commented on the ban, leaving fans and fellow competitors wondering about the future of his competitive eating career. However, one thing is certain: the 2024 Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Competition will be missing its most prominent figure, paving the way for a new champion to emerge.
