16-time winner Joey Chestnut is prohibited from participating in the 2024 Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest due to his recent partnership with Impossible Foods, a rival of Nathan's.
Renowned competitive eater Joey Chestnut found himself in the spotlight after being barred from participating in the 2024 Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest. The 16-time winner had recently signed a brand partnership with Impossible Foods, a company that produces plant-based meat alternatives. Major League Eating, the governing body of professional competitive eating, ruled that Chestnut's partnership rendered him ineligible to compete.
Chestnut remains optimistic and expressed his desire to negotiate an agreement with Nathan's that would allow him to compete in the iconic event held annually on Coney Island on July 4th. He acknowledged the unfortunate turn of events, which he believes stemmed from the public airing of contract negotiations.
Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest: Joey Chestnut Barred from Competing Due to Sponsorship Deal
While Chestnut is renowned for his hot dog eating prowess, he is also a multifaceted competitor with numerous other records to his name. He has devoured 32 Big Macs in 38 minutes, consumed 44 Raising Cane's chicken fingers in five minutes, and conquered 61½ four-ounce pork roll sandwiches in 10 minutes.
Despite the disqualification from the Nathan's contest, Chestnut's competitive spirit remains unyielding. He is scheduled to face his former rival, Takeru Kobayashi, in a Netflix-streamed event on September 2nd. Kobayashi was the reigning hot dog eating champion before Chestnut dethroned him in 2007.
Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest: Joey Chestnut Barred from Competing Due to Sponsorship Deal
Chestnut's competitive endeavors extend far beyond the realm of hot dogs. He often travels 200 days per year, setting records in various eating challenges. His indomitable spirit was evident last year when he subdued a protester at the Nathan's event with a chokehold, demonstrating his resilience and focus amidst adversity.
Chestnut remains a prodigious eater, and his 76 hot dogs and buns consumed in the 2021 contest still hold the world record. His remarkable achievements have earned him recognition as the undisputed GOAT (Greatest of All Time) in the competitive eating world.
Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest: Joey Chestnut Barred from Competing Due to Sponsorship Deal
Chestnut, at the age of 40, has only lost one Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest since 2007, when Matt Stonie emerged victorious in 2015. Since then, Chestnut has claimed eight consecutive championships.
The competitive eating community eagerly awaits the outcome of the negotiations between Chestnut and Nathan's. Fans of the sport are hopeful that a compromise can be reached, allowing the legendary eater to showcase his unparalleled skills in the iconic contest.
Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest: Joey Chestnut Barred from Competing Due to Sponsorship Deal
