Joey Chestnut has proven to be one of the greatest athletes in all of sports in the competitive eating scene. But unfortunately, he will not be allowed to compete in the event that he has made famous for dominating over the years.
On Tuesday, it was reported that Chestnut, who has won the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest every year since 2016 and has won the event a record 16 times, will not be allowed to compete in this year’s contest after making a deal to represent another hot dog brand.
The New York Post broke then news that Chestnut agreed to a deal with Impossible Foods, which recently launched a vegan hot dog made from plants.
Major League Eating issued a statement on their decision to ban Chestnut from competing in this event, which was retrieved by the New York Post.
“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 statement read. “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.”
Chestnut has become synonymous with the contest over the years. So his absence will certainly make this year’s contest feel very different, and not in a good way…
About Reice Shipley
Reice Shipley is a staff writer for Comeback Media that graduated from Ithaca College with a degree in Sports Media. He previously worked at Barrett Sports Media and is a fan of all things Syracuse sports.