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Joey Chestnut to Skip Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest
Joey Chestnut, the 16-time champion of the Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest, will not compete in the annual Fourth of July event next month, Major League Eating announced Tuesday.
A spokesperson for Major League Eating (MLE) told ESPN that Chestnut had chosen to “represent another hot dog brand” and therefore would not be allowed to participate in the Nathan’s contest, which is held annually at New York City’s Coney Island.
Chestnut, competitive eating’s biggest star who is known as “Jaws,” has won the event eight years in a row. He reportedly agreed to a sponsorship deal with Impossible Foods, a company that makes plant-based hot dogs, and a competing company to Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs.
“It would be like Michael Jordan saying to Nike, ‘I’m going to represent Adidas, too,'” MLE event organizer George Shea said.
Chestnut, in turn, issued his own statement on X, expressing his disappointment at not being able to compete.
“I love celebrating America with my fans all over this great country on the 4th and I have been training to defend my title,” Chestnut said in his post. “Sadly, this is the decision Nathan’s and Major League Eating are making, and it will deprive the great fans of the holiday’s usual joy and entertainment.”
Impossible Foods expressed their support for Chestnut, stating that they back him “in any contest he chooses” and emphasizing that “meat eaters shouldn’t have to be exclusive to just one wiener.”
Misunderstanding and Disappointment
Major League Eating stated that they were “devastated” by Chestnut’s decision to represent a rival brand that sells plant-based hot dogs.
“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 hot dog brand over our long-time relationship,” MLE said in its statement.
Chestnut clarified that he doesn’t have a contract with MLE or Nathan’s, and he feels they are changing the rules from past years regarding partnerships he can engage in.
Future Plans
Chestnut, who owns the top 10 performances at the Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest, including a record 76 hot dogs and buns in 2021, reassured his fans that they would see him in action again soon.
“Rest assured that you’ll see me eat again soon!! STAY HUNGRY!” he posted on X.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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