This Fourth of July will see a notable change from previous years, as Joey Chestnut, the 16-time champion of Nathan’s Annual Hot Dog Eating Contest, will not be competing due to his ban.
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Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest Bars Joey Chestnut
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According to the New York Post, Joey Chestnut is out at Nathan’s famous hot dog eating contests after he made a deal with Impossible Foods, a vegan company that recently launched a plant-based vegan dog.
Nathan’s and Major League Eating have claimed that Impossible Foods is a competitor; therefore, his association with the vegan brand is against competing rules.
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“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,” Major League Eating told the New York Post in a statement at the time. “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,” the MLE added.
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Breaking His Silence On Nathan’s Ban
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“I was very disappointed to learn from the media today that after nearly 20 years, I am banned from the Nathan’s 4th of July Hot Dog Eating Contest,” he wrote in the caption of an Instagram post at the time. “I love competing in that event.”
“I love celebrating America with my fans all over this great country on the 4th, and I have been training to defend my title,” the champ added.
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Addressing The Alleged Contract With Nathan’s
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Chestnut went on, “To set the record straight, I do not have a contract with MLE or Nathan’s and they are looking to change the rules from past years as it relates to other partners I can work with. This is apparently the basis on which I’m being banned, and it doesn’t impact the July 4th contest.”
“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,” he said. “To my fans, I love you and appreciate you. Rest assured that you’ll see me eat again soon. Stay tuned and STAY HUNGRY!”
The hot dog-eating champ is not letting Nathan’s ban deter him from competing on the Fourth of July, as he has landed a spot in a new contest.
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Joey Chestnut Lands New Competition!
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Joey Chestnut fans rejoice! The hot dog-eating champ is back and will once again consume dozens of the BBQ staple in an attempt to take home the belt.
“@joeyjaws, Soldiers at Fort Bliss heard you might be looking for a place to eat on July 4th,” Fort Bliss wrote in a social media post, inviting Joey Chestnut to their Fourth of July contest. “We would love to invite you to our Pop Goes the Fort July 4th Celebration to celebrate with our troops and see if you can take on some of our Soldiers in a hot dog eating contest!”
Of course, the hot-dog-eating champ can’t say no to that… “ABSOLUTELY!!” he wrote in an X post in response to an invitation from Fort Bliss. “Thank you @FortBlissTexas for the invitation!! I’m honored to celebrate America’s birthday with U.S. ARMY soldiers and their families. Bring me your best 4 eaters and I’ll take them down, combined!”
Fort Bliss secured the deal by simply replying, “It’s a date!! We can’t wait, see you soon!”
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Joey Heads To El Paso
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Chestnut is set to participate in the El Paso-based Fourth of July event against soldiers from Fort Bliss during the annual “Pop Goes the Fort Independence Day” celebration at Biggs Park.
At last year’s Nathan’s event, Chestnut ate 62 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes. We shall see what he does at the Texas competition.