Joey Chestnut Not Allowed At Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest

For many of us, Joey Chestnut immediately comes to mind when we think of eating contests. Unfortunately, the “world’s greatest eater” will not be participating in this year’s Nathan Hot Dog Eating Contest.

The New York Post reported that the man who has won 16 Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating competitions won’t be competing on Independence Day. According to the report, Chestnut, who has won the event every year since 2016, is out over a deal he made to represent Impossible Foods, which makes plant-based "meat" products.

A representative for Major League Eating told the Post the organizers gave in to many of Chestnut’s demands, including allowing him to participate in a rival Labor Day dog-eating fest to air on Netflix. The stipulation, however, was no rival hot dog brand was mentioned.

Joey Chestnut took to X, formerly known as Twitter and responded to the recent news. He said, "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."

Additionally, a group of fans created a Change.org petition, hoping it will help change the contest organizers' minds.

The competitive eater was last seen Chestnut was last seen in Oxford, Miss., with Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin, at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium for the Rebels’ Grove Bowl Games for a hot dog-eating contest.

In July 2023, Chestnut downed 62 franks and buns in 10 minutes. He first competed for the Nathan’s title in 2005 and hasn’t lost it since 2015. His best finish was in 2021 when he tallied 76 hot dogs.

Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest is an annual event that takes place on Coney Island, New York. It’s a speed eating contest to see who can devour the most Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs in 10 minutes.

Before 2007, it had been largely dominated by Japanese contestants according to the contest website. Joey claimed his first title in 2007 when he ended the reign of 6-time champion Takeru Koyayashi. Following his first victory, Joey went on to become the most decorated champion of all time winning the next 11 out of the 12 years.

Many outlets including, Barstool Sports took to X, formerly known as Twitter to share the news on Chestnut. They shared an image of the competitive eater with the caption, “FREE JOEY CHESTNUT.” People flooded the comments of the post to share their thoughts.

One person wrote, “How can they ban the 15 time Glizzy Gobbling Champ?!?!” Another person chimed in saying, “he switched to the dark side, can’t defend him on this one.” Someone else said, “You can’t ban the GOAT because he wanted to eat 100% all beef DOGS that's a crime!”

ABC News reported that Major League Eating said it would still take back the hot dog eating champ, if he drops his other endorsement deal.

"Joey Chestnut is an American hero," the league said. "We would love nothing more than to have him at the Nathan’s Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest, which he has dominated for years. We hope that he returns when he is not representing a rival brand."