Seems like there’s now a chance we might not see Joey Chestnut and his record-breaking mouth and stomach at the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest on July 4, an event he’s won so many times.
On Tuesday, there was an initial report that he was out. Then, there was talk that he could be in. Then, we heard from Chestnut himself, and now we’re not totally sure what’s up.
Confused? Need to catch up on the latest news? Fear not. We’re here to help explain what’s going on and give you everything we know at the moment about this whole thing.
An initial report said Joey Chestnut was out of the 2024 Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest
Per the New York Post, Chestnut made a deal with Impossible foods to promote a plant-based hot dog. That was a wiener too far for Major League Eating, which provided a statement to the Post that said this:
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.
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.
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.
Joey Chestnut is an American hero. We would love nothing more than to have him at the Nathan’s Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest. We hope he returns when he is not representing a rival brand.
Then, there was talk that he wasn’t banned from the contest
Joey Chestnut is NOT banned from the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest, Richard Shea of @eatingcontest tells @NBCNews.
"There is no ban. Major League Eating wants him there. The fans want him there. Nathan's wants him there."
— Greg Rosenstein (@grosenstein) June 11, 2024
The commissioner of Major League Eating, George Shea, tells me & Crowder that Joey Chestnut is not banned from the Nathan’s Hot Dog eating contest, and if there’s any way to work it out, they’d love to. #HotDog #4thJuly #Nathans #JoeyChestnut 🌭 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/bbyN2O2sgh
— Marc Hochman (@MarcHochman) June 12, 2024
In other words: he’s not banned for life. But he’s ineligible thanks to this deal he has with a rival brand, and that makes sense given that it’s an event involving Nathan’s.
Joey Chestnut spoke out on Tuesday night on X (formerly Twitter) and claimed MLE rules have changed
(1/3)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.
— Joey Chestnut (@joeyjaws) June 11, 2024
(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
(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
What’s next for him?
Sounds like he’s out from the Nathan’s event, but perhaps we’ll continue to see him at other eating contests.
