Joey Chestnut, famed for his unmatched prowess in competitive eating, has made headlines for an unexpected reason this year. The 16-time champion of Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest will not participate in this year’s event, scheduled for the 4th of July at Nathan’s Famous in Brooklyn’s Coney Island. The reason? A significant shift in his professional alliances concerning the type of hot dogs he chooses to endorse.
Historically, the contest has been a spectacle of gastronomic endurance, with participants racing against the clock to consume as many hot dogs as possible in ten minutes, all while avoiding the dreaded consequence of vomiting. Chestnut, a towering figure in this arena, famously downed 62 hot dogs last year to clinch the title.
This year, however, Chestnut finds himself sidelined due to a recent agreement with Impossible Foods, known for their innovative plant-based foods, including a newly launched vegan hot dog. This decision did not sit well with Major League Eating (MLE), the governing body of the event, which had previously secured Chestnut with a lucrative $1.2 million contract spanning four years, as reported by the New York Post.
The fallout from this decision was palpable. A representative from MLE expressed their disappointment, stating, “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.”
The organization highlighted its efforts to accommodate Chestnut, even allowing him to participate in another non-branded hot dog eating contest on Labor Day. They lamented, “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.”
Despite the current rift, MLE still holds Chestnut in high regard, referring to him as “an American hero” and expressing hope for his return to the Nathan’s Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest in future years, provided he is not under contract with a competing brand.
Earlier in the year, Chestnut shared his affection for his unique career with the New York Post, remarking, “I think it’s the best job in the world.” He acknowledged the physical challenges involved, including weight fluctuations and the toll it takes on his health, but affirmed, “It’s something I love.”
This year’s contest will undoubtedly feel the absence of Joey Chestnut, a competitor who not only dominated the event but also significantly shaped its popularity and competitive spirit.