Nathan’s Famous announced this week that Joey Chestnut was deemed ineligible to participate in the 2024 Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest. The decision comes after the company learned Chestnut agreed to become a pitchman for Impossible Foods’ vegan hot dogs. Nathan’s does not allow their competitors to endorse a “rival brand.”
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Major League Eating, the organization that hosts the contest every year, initially stated that “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.”
Joey Chestnut Reacts to Ban From Contest
Joey Chestnut has been competing in the contest since 2007, only losing one time in his almost 20-year run. The news about his ineligibility threw off the champion as much as it did fans. Prompting him to take to Instagram.
“I was very disappointed to learn from the media today that after nearly 20 years I am banned from the Nathan’s 4th of July Hot Dog Eating Contest,” Chestnut wrote in his caption. “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.”
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-Major League Eating’s President Richard Shea spoke with NBC News proclaiming that “there is no ban. Major League Eating wants him there. The fans want him there. Nathan’s wants him there.” The company went on to ensure that the door to compete in Nathan’s famous event wasn’t completely closed.
“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, which he has dominated for years. We hope that he returns when he is not representing a rival brand.”
However, sources at the New York Post spoke to a representative from MLE. They said the company had a different outlook on the situation.
“In return for his fees to appear and compete, Joey agreed every single year to a very simple exclusivity provision. That he would not endorse or sponsor another hot dog brand,” the rep told the publication. “Joey was not banned. Joey chose not to compete in the contest. The moment he chose to make an endorsement deal with one of Nathan’s competitors.”