Joey Chestnut's Surprising Absence From The Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest

Joey Chestnut will NOT be going for a 17th Mustard Belt this 4th of July as a Nathan's Hot Dog eating champion, according to reports. This shocking announcement has left fans and competitive eaters alike reeling. Chestnut, who is widely known as the “King of Competitive Eating,” has held the title for many years, continuously breaking his own records and pushing the limits of human consumption.

It seems as if Chestnut will not be allowed to compete after agreeing to a sponsorship deal with Impossible Foods, a rival company of Nathan's—the organization that runs the famous 4th of July competition. Yes, the man who holds the record of eating 76 hot dogs in 12 minutes has agreed to a deal with a vegan company. This unexpected shift in partnership has raised eyebrows within the competitive eating community.

Major League Eating, or MLE, has decided that they will not allow Chestnut to eat the Impossible Dogs during the competition. According to the NY Post, MLE paid Chestnut $200,000 to appear in 2023 and agreed to other demands, but switching out the hot dogs was a step too far in the organization’s eyes. The Post also obtained a statement from MLE expressing their disappointment:

“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. MLE and Nathan’s went to great lengths to accommodate Joey and his management team, agreeing to the appearance fee and allowing Joey 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. 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.”

2.8 Million people tuned in to see Chestnut win the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Championship in 2023. He has claimed the title every year since 2016. The Post reports that Chestnut had an offer of 4 years for 1.2 million dollars to appear at the event. This staggering amount highlights just how valuable Chestnut is to the Nathan's brand and the competitive eating scene.

Needless to say, fans were not taking the news well on social media. Many expressed their disappointment and confusion regarding Chestnut's decision to partner with Impossible Foods, which is in direct competition with Nathan's. The competitive eating world is on edge as they wonder who will take the crown at this year’s contest.

The competition will continue on, without Joey Chestnut, on July 4, televised on ESPN. This raises an intriguing question: who will be the new Hot Dog King? As fans eagerly await the outcome, the legacy of Joey Chestnut looms large over the event.

Wood is host of the 'Taste of Country Mornings with Wood and Nicole' that can be heard every morning from 6-10 am CST on the 'Taste of Country' app, on local affiliates where available and online at tasteofcountry.com.