The most famous eater in the world, Joey Chestnut, will not be competing in the 17th annual Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest, after dispute over a sponsorship deal with a rival company.
Chestnut has recently partnered with Impossible Foods to promote a vegan option in regards to one of their products. As a result, this has led to a dispute with organizers at Major League Eating, who run the hot dog eating event.
Joey Chestnut has been banned from this year's Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest
Chestnut agreed to represent vegan brand "Impossible Foods" over Nathan's
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MLE said they tried to come to an agreement with Chestnut, but there was no way around him joining forces with a competitor company.
"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."
The fans will certainly miss Chestnut during this year's July 4th contest, as he has won the competition a total of 16 times, and is currently on a seven-year win streak. Notably, Chestnut is the all-time leader for most hot dogs eaten at the contest, which he set the record for in 2021, when he ate 76 hot dogs during a 10-minute time period.
A Major League Eating rep went on to acknowledge what Chestnut means to the sport of competitive eating.
"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... Joey Chestnut is an American hero. We would love nothing more than to have him at the Nathan's Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest. We hope he returns when he is not representing a rival brand."
After the news broke, Chestnut referenced the fact that he found out from social media about himself being banned.
"I was gutted to learn from the media that after 19 years I'm banned from the Nathan's July 4th Hot Dog Eating Contest."
He added, "Rest assured that you'll see me eat again soon!! Stay hungry!"
Related: Takeru Kobayashi Retires From The Sport Of Competitive Eating
