For those who have become accustomed to watching Joey Chestnut demolish the competition at the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest on the Fourth of July, so much so that it is a coveted part of their holiday tradition, Tuesday’s news was likely unsettling.
The 16-time champion is banned from defending his title, known as the prestigious Mustard Yellow Belt, at this year’s event due to a sponsorship deal he struck with Impossible Foods. The plant-based company is presumably paying Chestnut a large sum of money to promote their new vegan hot dogs.
Major League Eating (MLE), the organization that holds the annual Coney Island clash, is taking action against the legendary feaster because of his choice to “represent a rival brand.” He reportedly earned $200,000 to partake in last year’s competition and was also offered a four-year contract worth $1.2 million. Now, Chestnut is sharing his side of the story.
Joey Chestnut fires back after stunning ban
“I was gutted to learn from the media that after 19 years I’m banned from the Nathan’s July 4th Hot Dog Eating Contest,” Joey “Jaws” Chestnut posted on X, Tuesday night. “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.
“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.”
Many MLE fans, or perhaps annual spectators of gluttony is the more appropriate term, do not understand how a vegan product would be considered a “rival” to Nathan’s. There might be a concern that seeing the face of eating endorse an alternative to beef hot dogs can potentially persuade people to alter their diet. Moreover, it is possible the near-century-old company views any association of veganism as an affront to this Independence Day custom.
Although there are obviously more important things to reflect on, barbecues have become synonymous with the Fourth. Could Nathan’s be taking a meat-only stand? There might be a number of other factors at work here, which will leave the public feeling confused, irritated and disappointed.
Chestnut himself decided to acknowledge the dissatisfaction his absence will elicit.
“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,” he said. “To my fans, I love you and appreciate you. Rest assured that you’ll see me eat again soon!! STAY HUNGRY!”
Nathan’s, Chestnut enter a new era
While many will call MLE and Nathan’s petty for banning Joey Chestnut, ego is ostensibly a factor on his side as well. The undisputed greatest hot dog eater of all-time is essentially labeling himself as the only attraction worth witnessing, as if legions of wiener fanatics would flock to his house just to steal a peak of the master performing his craft— sinking his teeth into a juicy frankfurter like no one else can.
Braggadocio aside, Chestnut has a valid point. He is the only household name MLE can advertise. The gap between him and the field is generally colossal, with the Kentucky native losing the contest just once in the last 17 years (Matt Stonie won in 2015). Simply put, crowning any other current eater as hot dog champ is going to feel awkward and open the door for a deluge of outrage.
But that is a chance Nathan’s and Major League Eating appear willing to take. They are going to attempt to make a new star in 2024. If nothing else, there might actually be some suspense surrounding the outcome. But whether people want to admit it or not, Chestnut is a Fourth of July staple. Replacing him will be a daunting task.
How will Joey Chestnut respond?
Judging by his social media thread, the hot dog record-holder (ate 76 in 10 minutes in 2021) could be looking to bite back at MLE and Nathan’s. There are a couple of options presumably on the table.
Chestnut could show up in Coney Island to make everyone squirm or stream himself inhaling franks and buns during the same time that ESPN airs its classic gorgefest, both of which are coincidentally methods his former rival, Takeru Kobayashi, employed more than a decade ago.
The Japanese sensation and six-time champion was barred from competing at the contest for refusing to sign an exclusive contract with MLE. There are differences in Kobayashi and Chestnut’s predicaments, but one cannot ignore the similarities, either. The Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest survived the loss of the former because there was a new face ready to carry the mantle.
Who will step up in 2024, and possibly beyond?
Follow Us
Subscribe