The competitive eating landscape was rocked by a major announcement on Tuesday: Joey Chestnut, the reigning king of the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest, has been barred from the 2024 competition.
This decision comes after Chestnut inked a four-year, $1.2 million deal with Impossible Foods, a company known for its plant-based hot dogs.
Major League Eating, the body responsible for the iconic July 4th event, expressed their disappointment in a statement: “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.”
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Chestnut, who reportedly received $200,000 for his participation in the 2023 contest, opted for a more lucrative offer this year.
The 40-year-old has dominated the Nathan’s contest, claiming victory 16 times since 2007, with his only loss coming to Matt Stonie in 2015 in what was considered a massive upset.
At the 2021 contest, Chestnut set a world record by devouring 76 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes. He is currently the top-ranked competitive eater in the world according to Major League Eating and holds numerous world records across various eating disciplines.
The absence of Chestnut from the July 4th contest marks a significant shift, reminiscent of when Takeru Kobayashi, another former champion, had a contract dispute with Major League Eating and skipped the 2010 contest.
As the competitive eating community reels from this development, questions linger about the future of the sport and its ability to rebound from Chestnut’s departure.
The upcoming event will undoubtedly feel the impact of his absence, leaving fans and organizers alike to wonder what lies ahead for this beloved July 4th tradition.
