The Nathan’s Fourth of July hot dog eating contest no longer cuts the mustard for all-time eating great Joey Chestnut.
The 16-time winner of the contest, including every year since 2016, will not be competing at this year’s contest, according to Major League Eating. And it’s all over his decision to endorse vegan hot dogs instead of Nathan’s.
“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 said in a statement.
Nathan’s, the venerable Coney Island hot dog brand, has long required eaters not to endorse a rival brand if they are going to compete in the country’s most famous eating contest.
“MLE and Nathan’s went to great lengths in recent months 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,” Major League Eating said in a statement. “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.”
Chestnut is endorsing the Impossible brand, the popular purveyor of vegan burgers, hot dogs and sausages, according to the New York Post, which was first to report the news of Chestnut not competing.
In this July 4, 2022, file photo, competitive eater Joey Chestnut wins with 63 hot dogs in the men’s division at the 2022 Nathan’s Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest at Coney Island, in Brooklyn, New York.
Bobby Bank/Getty Images, FILE
Chestnut, 40, won the contest every year from 2007 to 2014 and then every year from 2016 to 2023. Matt Stone won the contest in 2015, eating 62 dogs to Chestnut’s 60.
Chestnut still holds the record for most hot dogs — and buns — consumed in 10 minutes with 76 eaten in 2021.
Major League Eating said it will still take back the hot dog eating champ — if he drops his other endorsement deal.
“Joey Chestnut is an American hero,” the league said. “We would love nothing more than to have him at the Nathan’s Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest, which he has dominated for years. We hope that he returns when he is not representing a rival brand.”
The Nathan’s contest has been held every Fourth of July since 1979.
ABC News’ Alex Faul contributed to this report.
Joey Chestnut, the reigning champion of the annual Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest, has made headlines recently by announcing his decision to opt out of this year’s competition. The reason? A dispute over the use of vegan hot dogs in the event.
For years, Chestnut has dominated the hot dog eating world, setting records and winning numerous titles at the iconic Fourth of July contest held at Coney Island. However, this year, he has taken a stand against the organizers’ decision to include vegan hot dogs as an option for competitors.
In a statement released by his team, Chestnut expressed his disappointment with the direction the contest was taking. He stated that he believes the essence of the competition lies in the tradition of eating classic beef hot dogs, and that introducing vegan alternatives goes against the spirit of the event.
The controversy surrounding Chestnut’s decision has sparked a debate within the competitive eating community. Some argue that including vegan options is a step towards inclusivity and reflects changing dietary preferences among consumers. Others, like Chestnut, believe that the contest should stay true to its roots and focus on the classic hot dog eating experience.
Despite his absence from this year’s competition, Chestnut remains a formidable force in the world of competitive eating. Fans are eagerly awaiting his return to the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest in the future, where he will undoubtedly continue to showcase his impressive skills and insatiable appetite.
As the debate over vegan hot dogs in competitive eating continues, one thing is certain: Joey Chestnut’s decision to opt out of this year’s contest has brought attention to an important issue within the sport. Whether or not vegan hot dogs will become a permanent fixture in future competitions remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure – Chestnut’s legacy as a hot dog eating champion is secure.
