Joey Chestnut has been banned from the 2024 Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Competition after making a deal to represent Impossible Foods with their launch of vegan frankfurters.
In a report from the New York Post on June 11, 2024, it was revealed that 16-time champion Joey Chestnut was banned from participating in this year’s July 4, 2024 contest.
The news comes after the California-born professional eater partnered up with Impossible Foods for an ad campaign surrounding the launch of their new vegan hot dog impostor made from plants.
“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,” said a rep for Major League Eating.
“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.”
Hot dog eating world champion Joey Chestnut has reportedly been banned from the 2024 Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest for representing the vegan meat brand, Impossible FoodsVia NY Post pic.twitter.com/68GB6qRnCO
— Dexerto (@Dexerto) June 11, 2024
“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,” they added.
They went on to add that they want “nothing more” than to have the man return to the contest in 2025 when he is no longer representing a “rival brand.”
Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates on Esports, Gaming and more.
Just hours after the news broke, Chestnut shared his thoughts about the sudden ban on Twitter/X.
“I was gutted to learn from the media that after 19 years Im banned from the Nathan’s July 4th Hot Dog Eating Contest. 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,” he said.
(2/3)To set the record straight, I do not have a contract with MLE or Nathans 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 event.
— Joey Chestnut (@joeyjaws) June 11, 2024
Joey also claims that he doesn’t have a contract with Nathan’s or Major League Eating, and says “they are looking to change the rules from last years” but assures fans that they’ll see him eat again soon.
(3/3) 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. To my fans, I love you and appreciate you. Rest assured that you’ll see me eat again soon!! STAY HUNGRY!
— Joey Chestnut (@joeyjaws) June 11, 2024
The pro eater continued: “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. To my fans, I love you and appreciate you. Rest assured that you’ll see me eat again soon!! STAY HUNGRY!”
Not having Chestnut for the 2024 event means that there will be another break in his ongoing streak of winning the competition. According to Nathan’s website, the pro eater has won every event since 2007 with the exception of 2015.
That year, Chestnut lost by just two hot dogs, but still managed to eat 60 during the event.