Joey Chestnut unable to compete in Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest after signing with plant-based food company
The world’s greatest eater won’t be able to compete in the world’s greatest eating event.
The world’s greatest eater won’t be able to compete in the world’s greatest eating event.
Joey Chestnut, a 16-time champion of the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest, is unable to participate in the July 4 event because he signed a deal with another hot dog brand, according to Major League Eating.
“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,” it said in a statement. “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.
Joey Chestnut holds a plate of hot dogs representing his world record for eating 76 hot dogs and buns during a weigh-in on July 3, 2023, before the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest.John Minchillo / AP file“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 hot dog brand over our long-time relationship.”
Rules of the event stipulate no participant can be endorsed by a competing hot dog brand.
Rating: 5