Joey Chestnut has been banned from competing in Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest on July 4.
Chestnut, a former San Jose resident who has placed first in the past eight competitions and has captured 16 hot dog eating crowns overall, was barred after he agreed to endorse a plant-based hot dog manufacturer Impossible Foods.
Chestnut did not immediately respond when reached for comment via his website, but said via Twitter/X that he learned from the media that he would not be allowed to participate, placing the blame on organizing body Major League Eating.
“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,” he said via social media.
“We love Joey and support him in any contest he chooses,” an Impossible spokesperson told this news organization in an email. “It’s OK to experiment with a new dog. Meat eaters shouldn’t have to be exclusive to just one wiener.”
A graduate of San Jose State University, Chestnut is listed as No. 1 in Major League Eating’s official rankings and was described on the league’s website as “the apex predator himself.”
Major League Eating addresses Joey Chestnut’s choice to represent a rival brand, expressing disappointment and hope for his return to Nathan’s Famous. pic.twitter.com/NrbK4aRUc8
— Major League Eating (@eatingcontest) June 11, 2024
In an email from MLE, spokesperson George Shea said Chestnut is not banned from all MLE competitions, just the Nathan’s contest.
“We love Joey and want him to be at the contest,” Shea said. “We were told by his representatives that he had signed on to represent a rival brand that produces plant-based meats including hot dogs. This created a conflict. We are hoping he will change course.”
Chestnut devoured an astounding and record-breaking 76 hot dogs and buns to win the Nathan’s contest in 2021, and took first place in 2023 by putting away 62 hot dogs and buns.
According to Chestnut’s official website, he also has also claimed records related to other foods. He has wolfed down 4 ⅓ three-pound apple pies in eight minutes, has eaten a 14.5-pound burrito in 10 minutes, pounded down 55 glazed donuts in eight minutes, gobbled 103 Krystal Burgers in eight minutes and devoured a whole 9 ⅓-pound turkey in 10 minutes.