The hot dog eating community was in mourning on Tuesday when Major League Eating announced that fan favorite and 16-time champion Joey Chestnut will not be participating in the 2024 Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest on July 4th.
The decision was made after Chestnut it is said in ink a four-year, $1.4 million deal with Impossible Foods, a plant-based company that now makes a vegan hot dog.
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Major League Eating tried to counter Chestnut's deal with Impossible Foods by offering him a four-year, $1.2 million contract, which he turned down, according to New York Post.
“We are saddened to learn that Joey Chestnut has chosen to represent a rival brand that sells plant-based hot dogs instead of competing in the 2024 Nathan's Famous Fourth of July Dog-Dog Eating Contest ,” MLE states in a statement. “MLE and Nathan's went to great lengths to accommodate Joey and his management team, agreeing to an appearance fee and allowing Joey to compete in a rival, unbranded hot dog eating contest on Labor Day.”
Major League Eating event organizer George Shea said ESPN that Chestnut's decision was like “Michael Jordan telling Nike, 'I'll represent Adidas, too.'
Chestnut addressed the news at X in a series of posts, confirming that he was not allowed to compete.
(1/3) I was upset to learn from the media that after 19 years I have been kicked out of Nathan's 4th of July 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've been training to defend my title.
— Joey Chestnut (@joeyjaws) June 11, 2024
(3/3) Sadly, this is the decision that Nathan's and Major League Eating are making, and it will deprive big fans of the usual holiday cheer and fun. To my fans, I love and appreciate you. Be sure to see me eating again soon!! STAY HUNGRY!
— Joey Chestnut (@joeyjaws) June 11, 2024
“To set the record straight, I do not have a contract with MLE or Nathans and they are looking to change the rules from last years as it relates to other partners I can work with,” Chestnut told fans. “Unfortunately, this is the decision that Nathan's and Major League Eating are making and it will deprive great fans of the usual joy and fun of the holiday.”
Chestnut set the record for most hot dogs ever eaten at the contest in 2021 after downing 76 hot dogs and buns. Last year, he finished with 62 hot dogs and buns.
“Be sure to see me eating again soon!” said Chestnut. “STAY HUNGRY!”